Detargeted adenovirus variants and related methods

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes the generation and the use of Ad variants (Ad) possessing any combination of mutations in genes that code for the hexon, penton, fiber, and non-structural proteins, where simultaneous modification of hexon and penton are made to avoid the trapping of Ad in the liver and to reduce toxicity after intravascular virus administration. Such liver de-targeted Ad can be useful tool for selective and specific gene delivery to extra-hepatic tissues and cells, including disseminated metastatic cancer cells.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2016/013765, filed on Jan. 17, 2016, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/105,284, filed on Jan. 20, 2015. The entirety of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference.

This International Application contains Sequence Listing ASCII text file, PCT3MSequenceListing2.txt, created Jan. 17, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The file size is 4,508 bytes.

This invention was made with the U.S. government support under grant number AI064882 and AI065429 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of gene therapy, and in particular, to novel Adenovirus (Ad) vectors, which escape sequestration in the liver tissue at a physical particle level and induce diminished inflammatory response upon intravascular injection. These vectors can be a safe and useful tool for infecting cells in vivo for gene therapy, including for treatment of localized and disseminated metastatic cancers, in any organ of the body, including of the hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic origin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adenoviruses (Ads) are promising vectors for therapeutic interventions in humans (Thomas et al., 2003). Despite significant knowledge regarding the biology of Ad interactions with cells in vitro, the molecular mechanisms governing in vivo Ad infectivity and bio-distribution remain poorly understood (Baker, 2007; Khare et al.). This poses significant risks for their intravascular administration and represents the major hindrance for safe, selective, and efficient Ad targeting to specific cell and tissue types in vivo.

Pharmacokinetic studies of Ad vectors after intravascular delivery demonstrate that the majority of an administered virus dose is rapidly sequestered from the circulation by the liver (Alemany and Curiel, 2001; Di Paolo et al., 2009b; Khare et al., 2011a). Through comprehensive in vivo analyses, it was found that the general molecular mechanisms that mediate Ad sequestration by liver tissue operate in a redundant and synergistic manner (Di Paolo et al., 2009b). Specifically, it is currently believed that Ad particles are distributed in liver tissue amongst three distinct cellular compartments, namely i) parenchymal liver cells—hepatocytes, ii) hepatic residential macrophages, Kupffer cells, and iii) hepatic sinusoid endothelial cells. Importantly, the ablation of Ad interaction with only one of these cellular compartments cannot prevent virus trapping the liver and results in compensatory re-distribution of the virus among two remaining cellular compartments, functionally ensuring the quantitative removal of the virus from the blood (Di Paolo et al., 2009b). Despite of this general understanding of the redundancy of mechanisms that may operate to remove Ad particles from the blood and trap them in the liver after intravascular virus administration, the exact molecular mechanisms guiding Ad interactions with liver cells in vivo remain controversial (Baker et al., 2013). This controversy and the lack of understanding of mechanisms that operate to trap Ad particles in the liver is ultimately manifested in the fact that to date, no Ad vector configurations were reported that would, based on purely genetic (and not chemical) modification of Ad capsid proteins, allow for generation of Ads, which would escape being sequestered in the liver at a physical particle level after intravascular virus delivery. Ad trapping in the liver is deleterious for gene therapy and cancer therapy applications, since Ad particles sequestered in the liver become destroyed, necessitating high virus doses to achieve transduction of any extra-hepatic cells. High Ad doses injected intravenously activate severe systemic inflammatory response that can be fatal (Brunetti-Pierri et al., 2004; Raper et al., 2003; Raper et al., 2002). What is needed are new Ad vectors that avoid liver sequestration and activation of inflammation and methods of accomplishing the same.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides for novel modified Ad vectors that contain simultaneous genetic modifications in Ad penton and hexon proteins, which are introduced to prevent virus binding to liver cells, including hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and Kupffer cells, and allow for virus to exhibit greatly reduced or completely eliminated trapping in the liver tissue and inflammatory responses after virus particles circulate in the blood.

The one embodiment of the invention are isolated Ads with a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of β3 integrins of a host cell in vivo, such as macrophages or endothelial cells, and induce significantly reduced inflammatory responses after virus circulate in blood in vivo.

The preferred embodiment of the invention provide for novel Ad vectors where, as an example in a context of the most commonly used in gene therapy applications human species C serotype Ad5-based vectors, three simultaneous mutations are necessary and sufficient to prevent virus binding to liver cells in vivo—one mutation is in the Ad penton RGD loop and two mutations are in Ad hexon hypervariable loops, specifically in the loops HVR1 and HVR7.

Also the example of the embodiment of the invention is isolated nucleic acids encoding an Ad penton protein, the penton protein comprising a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of a host cell β3 integrin proteins in vivo, when expressed in an Ad.

The invention also provides methods of administering an Ad such that the Ad virions evade sequestration in a host's liver in vivo, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing an Ad with a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of β3 integrins of a host normal liver cells; b) reducing the binding of the Ad with a vitamin K dependent clotting factor in the host; and, c) reducing the binding of the Ad to Kupffer cells.

The invention also provides methods of delivering a gene to a non-hepatic mammalian cell, including localized and disseminated metastatic cancer cells, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing an Ad with a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of β3 integrins of a host of the normal liver cell in vivo; b) providing an Ad with a mutation in Ad hexon protein hypervariable region 1, HVR1; c) providing an Ad with a mutation in Ad hexon protein hypervariable region 7, HVR7; and d) contacting the host cell with the Ad in vivo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and together with the description illustrate the disclosed compositions and methods.

FIG. 1 shows the sequestration of blood-borne Ad in the liver tissue after intravenous virus injection does not depend on the fiber structure. One hour after intravenous Ad injection, livers were recovered from mice and the total DNA was purified as described herein. Ten μg of total DNA, digested with HindIll enzyme, were loaded onto the agarose gel. Following transfer to a Nybond-N+ membrane, filters were hybridized with a mouse β-glucuronidase-specific probe to confirm equivalent loads (Gus). Subsequently, the membranes were stripped and rehybridized with an Ad-specific probe (Ad). Control—DNA purified from livers of mice injected with PBS only.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show the sequestration of blood-borne Ad in the liver tissue after intravenous virus injection occurs independently of virus binding to blood coagulation factors. FIG. 2A shows that Ad5 vector was injected into mice mock treated (Ad5 lanes) or pre-treated with warfarin (Warfarin lanes) and livers were harvested 1 h after virus injection and processed for Southern blotting as described in FIG. 1. Each lane represents liver samples harvested from a mouse individually injected with Ad (biological replicates). FIG. 2B shows the association of Ad vectors with Kupffer cells (KCs) of mice treated with warfarin or mock-treated controls. Ad5 were injected into the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice. One hour later, livers were recovered and immediately frozen in an OCT compound. To visualize KCs, fixed liver sections were stained with anti-F4/80 antibody (green). Ad particles were visualized after staining the liver sections with Cy3-labeled anti-hexon polyclonal Abs (red). Images of representative fields were taken with red and green filters and were then superimposed to reveal Ad association with KCs (yellow, Merged). The overlapping of Kupffer cell-specific staining and Ad-specific staining is indicated by arrows. FIG. 2C shows Southern blot analysis of genomes of wild type human Ad present in the liver 1 h after intravenous virus injection. Affinity of FX binding for indicated serotypes is shown. Gus-mouse β-glucuronidase gene. Control—liver DNA from a mouse injected with virus dilution buffer (PBS) only.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that inactivation of blood coagulation factors leads to Ad transduction of liver sinusoid endothelial cells. FIG. 3A shows in vivo transduction of hepatocytes with Ad5RFP after systemic vector application in control, mock-treated and warfarin-treated mice. Twenty-four hours after intravenous Ad injection, livers were recovered and serial sections of formalin-fixed tissues were prepared. To visualize RFP fluorescence, images of sections were taken under UV light. Representative fields are shown. Magnification, 200× on the two left sets of panels and 400× on the right sets of panels. Note that the treatment of mice with warfarin completely eliminates hepatocyte transduction. However, sinusoid endothelial cells express RFP (indicated by arrows) in warfarin-treated mice. Two representative fields are shown. FIG. 3B shows analysis of surface markers of RFP-expressing cells in warfarin-treated mice using flow cytometry. Note that the RFP expressing cells are stained positive with antibody for CD31, endothelial cell marker.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show that Kupffer cell elimination does not prevent the sequestration of blood-borne Ad in the liver. FIG. 4A shows the association of Ad vectors with Kupffer cells of wild type mice (WT) or mice knockout for scavenger receptor-A (SR-A-KO) gene. One hour after intravenous virus injection, livers were recovered and immediately frozen in OCT compound. To visualize KCs, fixed liver sections were stained with anti-F4/80 antibody (green). Ad particles were visualized after staining liver sections with Cy3-labeled antihexon polyclonal Abs. Images of representative fields were taken with red and green filters and were then superimposed to reveal Ad association with KCs. The overlapping of Kupffer cell-specific staining and Ad-specific staining is indicated by arrows. FIG. 4B shows Southern blot analysis for Ad vector genomes associated with livers of wild type and SR-A-KO mice 1 h after intravenous virus injection. Biological duplicates are shown. Gus—mouse β-glucuronidase gene. Control—liver DNA from a mouse injected with virus dilution buffer (PBS) only. FIG. 4C shows wild type mice were treated with clodronate liposomes as described herein. One hour after intravenous virus injection, livers were recovered and immediately frozen in OCT compound. To visualize KCs, fixed liver sections were stained with anti-F4/80 antibody. Note, that the treatment of mice with clodronate liposomes completely eliminates Kupffer cells from the liver. FIG. 4D shows Southern blot analysis for Ad vector genomes associated with livers of wild type mice treated with clodronate liposomes 1 h after intravenous virus injection. Biological duplicates are shown. Gus—mouse β-glucuronidase gene. Control—liver DNA from a mouse injected with virus dilution buffer (PBS) only.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show that the treatment of mice with warfarin and clodronate liposomes allows for a partial reduction of the amounts of Ad DNA sequestered by the liver after intravenous virus administration. FIG. 5A shows Southern blot analysis for Ad vector genomes associated with livers of wild type mice 1 h after intravenous virus injection. Mice were treated with warfarin only or with a combination of warfarin and clodronate liposomes. Duplicate samples for each group are shown. Gus—mouse β-glucuronidase gene. Control—liver DNA from a mouse injected with virus dilution buffer (PBS) only. FIG. 5B shows quantitative representation of Ad accumulation in livers determined by Phosphorlmager analysis of Ad-specific bands shown in (A) after adjustment of Ad DNA signal intensities for the Gus gene signal intensities for corresponding vectors. *−P<0.05. FIG. 5C shows the distribution of Ad particles in the livers of mice treated with warfarin or with a combination of warfarin and clodronate liposomes 1 h after intravenous virus injection. Liver sections were stained with anti-F4/80 antibody to detect Kupffer cells (green) and with anti-Ad hexon antibody to detect Ad particles (red). Note that the large number of Ad particles was colocalized with Kupffer cells in warfarin treated animals, while Ad particles were associated with liver sinusoids in mice treated with both of drugs.

FIGS. 6A, 6B show a visualization of Ad distribution in liver tissue 1 hour after intravenous virus injection. FIG. 6A shows Ad particles present in hepatic sinusoids in a space of Disse; Magnification of main image: 4,400×; enlarged image 21,000×. FIG. 6B shows a representative image showing distribution of free Ad particles in the Disse space (indicated by arrows). Magnification 7,500×. S—liver sinusoidal space; H—hepatocyte; D—Disse space.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D show that Ad penton RGD motifs play a role in supporting the sequestration of the blood-borne Ad in the liver. FIG. 7A shows wild type (WT) or β3-integrin knockout mice (β3-KO) were treated with a combination of warfarin and liposomes and injected intravenously with Ad5 vector. In addition to drug treatment, WT mice were also injected with Ad5ΔRGD vector. One hour after virus injection, livers were harvested, total liver DNA was purified and then subjected to a Southern blot analysis as described in FIG. 1. Duplicate samples for each group are shown. Gus—mouse β-glucuronidase gene. Control—liver DNA from a mouse injected with virus dilution buffer (PBS) only. FIG. 7B shows quantitative representation of Ad accumulation in livers determined by Phosphorlmager analysis of Ad-specific bands shown in (A) after adjustment of Ad DNA signal intensities for the Gus gene signal intensities for corresponding vectors. ˜P<0.05.**−P<0.01. FIG. 7C shows distribution of Ad particles in the livers of wild type or β3-KO mice 1 h after intravenous virus injection. Liver sections were stained with anti-F4/80 antibody to detect Kupffer cells (green) and with anti-Ad hexon antibody to detect Ad particles (red). Colocalization of Ad-specific staining with Kupffer cell staining appears in yellow (Merged) and is indicated by arrows. FIG. 7D shows distribution of Ad and Ad5ΔRGD particles in the livers of mice treated with a combination of warfarin and clodronate liposomes 1 h after intravenous injection. Liver sections were stained with anti-F4/80 antibody to ensure complete elimination of Kupffer cells with clodronate liposomes (green) as well as with DAPI (blue) and anti-Ad hexon antibody to detect Ad particles (red).

FIGS. 8A and 8B show that sequestration of blood-borne Ad5ΔRGD vector in the liver is reduced only in mice treated with both warfarin and clodronate liposomes. FIG. 8A shows wild type mice were individually treated with a saline, warfarin, clodronate liposomes, or a combination of warfarin and liposomes and injected intravenously with Ad5ΔRGD vector. One hour after virus injection, livers were harvested, total liver DNA was purified and subjected to Southern blot analysis as described in FIG. 1. Duplicate samples for each group are shown. Gus—mouse 13-glucuronidase gene. Control—liver DNA from a mouse injected with virus dilution buffer (PBS) only. FIG. 8B shows quantitative representation of Ad5ΔRGD accumulation in livers determined by Phosphorlmager analysis of Ad-specific bands shown in (A) after adjustment of Ad DNA signal intensities for the Gus gene signal intensities for corresponding vectors. *P<0.05.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of cellular compartment in the liver mediating the sequestration of blood-borne Ad and approaches to inactivate them. CL—clodronate liposomes; PI—polyinosinic acid; FX-bp—FX-binding protein.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention illustrating a single Ad genomic DNA and virus particle capsid possessing simultaneous mutations in both hexon (pII) and penton base (pIII) proteins, preventing virus trapping in the liver after intravascular injection and description of functional effects of the hexon and penton mutations.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the amino acid sequence alignment for Ad5 and other representative human Ad serotypes Ad3, Ad16, Ad14, and Ad35, depicting consensus location and diversity of solvent-exposed surface-localized hyper-variable loops of the Ad hexon protein. Hypervariable exposed loops 1-9 (HVR1-HVR9) of hexons are underlined. The exact position of conservative coagulation factor binding motifs TDT and TET within HVR3 and HVR7 are boxed.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12 D, continued show the determination of putative Factor X binding site on Ad5 hexon. FIG. 12A shows the CryoEM structure of the Ad5-FX complex (blue) together with the strongest FX density (red). The FX density was generated by subtracting a cryoEM reconstruction of the Ad5 capsid from that of the Ad5-FX complex. The strongest FX density appears in the central depression of each hexon trimer. Scale bar, 100 Å. FIG. 12B shows the crystal structure of Ad5 hexon (PDB 1P30) shown in a ribbon representation and as a density map filtered to 30 Å resolution (transparent gray). The hexon HVR7 residues 423-425 (TET) are shown in a space filling representation in yellow. The position of HVR3 TDT residues found in Ad3, Ad21 and Ad50 hexons is shown by the corresponding Ad5 residues 212-214 in cyan. Both 45° tilt and top views are shown. FIG. 12C shows a top view of the hexon density with fitted crystal structure of the Ad5 hexon trimer as in (FIG. 12B) shown together with the strongest FX density (red). FIG. 12D shows the amino acid sequence alignment of the hexon HVR3 and HVR7 regions for the 11 human Ad serotypes tested for FX binding (FIG. 12D, continued). The positions of the two alternative sites proposed for FX binding are indicated by asterisks. The sequences TDT and TET that correlate with FX binding are highlighted in cyan within HVR3 and in yellow within HVR7. Nearby positively charged Arg residues that can ablate or reduce FX binding affinity are highlighted in green. The red lines separate Ad serotypes that bind FX (above the line) from those that don't bind FX (below the line). FIG. 12D, continued shows FX binding affinity to selected human adenovirus serotype species.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, and 13F show the Cryo-EM structure of the FX-Ads complex and simulation of the FX-hexon interface using molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) FIG. 13A shows the cryo-EM structure of Ad5 in complex with FX. The density is shown with the hexon capsid in blue, penton base in gold, fiber in green, and FX in red. Scale bar, 100 Å. FIG. 13B shows an enlarged view of the FX-Ad5 complex showing the network of the FX density above the hexon capsid. FIG. 13C shows the best rigid-body fit orientation of the zymogenic FX model (red ribbon) within FX cryo-EM density (transparent pink). This FX density is selected from above a hexon near the icosahedral threefold axis of the capsid. FIG. 13D shows coordinates from a frame in the MDFF simulation that show hexon residues E424 and T425 surround residue K10 of the FX-GLA domain. The side chains of these three residues are shown in space-filling representation and colored by element. FIG. 13E shows FX-GLA domain and associated Ca₂ ⁺ ions (green) in the central depression of the hexon trimer. FIG. 13F shows residue K10 in the FX-GLA domain is in close enough proximity to F424 and 1425 of hexon to engage in electrostatic interactions (depicted by the dotted lines).

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G, 14H show that a single amino acid substitution, T425A, abrogates FX biding to Ad5. FIG. 14A shows the schematic diagram of a region of Ad5 hexon hypervariable loop 7 (HVR7) showing T423-E424-T425 amino acids and amino acid substitutions introduced in this region of individual viruses with mutated hexons (shown in red). FIG. 14B shows kinetic response data and dissociation constant (Kd) for FX binding to the indicated mutant viruses obtained by using surface plasmon resonance analysis (Biacore, GE Healthcare Biosciences, Pittsburgh, Pa.). Black indicates experimentally obtained data. Orange indicates global fits of these data to 1:1 single-site interaction model. Representative data obtained from four independent experiments are shown. FIG. 14C to 14F show in vitro and in vivo analyses of hexon-mutated viruses. FIG. 14C shows infection of CHO-K1 cells with indicated viruses with or without the addition of FX (8 μg ml-1). Cells were infected with a multiplicity of infection of 200 v.p. cell-1. Mean fluorescent intensity of virus-encoded GFP reporter protein was analyzed by flow cytometry 24 h after virus infection. N=6. *P<0.01. n.s.—not significant. FIG. 14D shows histological analysis of virus-encoded GFP expression in mouse hepatocytes 48 hours after intravenous infection of mice with WT Ad5 (WT) or mutated viruses. Representative fields are shown (n=5 biological replicates). GFP expression is observed as green fluorescence on fixed liver sections. Corresponding fields in 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole channel (blue, nuclei-specific staining) are shown. Scale bar, 100 μm. FIG. 14E shows western blotting analysis and GFP signal quantification (FIG. 14F) of GFP expression in the livers of mice shown in (FIG. 14D). The biological duplicate samples for each virus are shown. FIG. 14G shows colocalization of virus particles (red) with splenic CD169+ and MARCO+ marginal zone macrophages (green) observed 1 hour after infection for indicated viruses analyzed by means of confocal microscopy. FIG. 14H shows high power images of Ad particles (red) colocalized with marginal zone macrophages. Scale bar, 10 μm. Representative fields are shown. n=5 biological replicates.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F show Ad5 binding to FX induces NF-κB1—dependent inflammatory cytokines and chemokines downstream of the TLR4-TRIF/MyD88-TRAF6 signaling axis in vivo. FIG. 15A shows a mouse cytokine array panel showing differences in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spleens of WT mice 1 hour after infection with HAdv5 or TEA mutant, determined by means of proteome profiler antibody array. Representative blot from four independent experiments is shown. C, mouse was challenged with saline. FIG. 15B shows mRNA expression of IL-1β in the spleen of WT mice 30 min after challenge with indicated viruses. Graphs show mean±SD, n=4 biological replicates, **P<0.01. AU, arbitrary units reflecting IL-1β to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA ratios. FIGS. 15C and 15D show mRNA expression of IL-1β in the spleen of WT mice and mice deficient for indicated genes 30 min after challenge with HAdv5. Graphs show mean±SD, n=4 biological replicates, **P<0.01. AU, arbitrary units reflecting IL-1β to GAPDH mRNA ratios. FIG. 15E shows mouse cytokine array panel showing differences in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spleens of WT and Myd88^(−/−), Ticam^(−/−), Tlr4^(−/−), and Md2^(−/−) mice 1 hour after challenge with HAdv5, determined by means of proteome profiler antibody array. Representative blot from four independent experiments is shown. C, mouse was challenged with saline. FIG. 15F shows mouse cytokine array panel showing differences in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spleens of WT mice 1 hour after challenge with WT human Ads of indicated serotypes, determined by means of proteome profiler antibody array. Representative blot from four independent experiments is shown. C, mouse was mock infected with saline.

FIG. 16 shows amino acid sequence alignment of the penton base proteins (pIII) from different human Ad serotypes. The large hypervariable exposed RGD-motif containing loop is highlighted.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a mutation introduced into Ad5 penton base RGD motif-containing loop, which ablates penton binding to cellular integrins. An example of deletion of RGD tri-amino acid motif from the RGD-loop.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, and 18F show the engagement of β₃ integrins by Ad5 is involved in the initiation of the innate immune response. FIG. 18A shows the mRNA levels for IL-1α, IL-1β, KC and MIP-2 in spleens of wild type mice (WT) and mice knockout for β₃-, β₅-, or conditionally knockout for β₁-integrin in hematopoietic cells β₁ ^(−/−)), as well as WT mice injected with Ad mutant lacking an RGD motif within its penton protein (Ad5ΔRGD) 30 min after virus injection. N=3. C—mock-infected mice, injected with saline. FIG. 18B shows quantitative representation mRNA levels from the gel shown in (18A) after phosphorimager analysis. N=6. Statistically significant differences between experimental groups and mock-injected controls [C] or WT injected with Ad are indicated by the star. *−P<0.01. WT mice injected with Ad5ΔRGD are indicated by the arrow. AU—arbitrary units. FIG. 18C shows IL-1α, IL-1β, and MIP-2 mRNA levels in livers of mice shown in (18A). N=3. FIG. 18D shows quantitative representation mRNA levels from the gel shown in (18C) after phosphorimager analysis. N=6. Statistically significant differences between experimental groups and WT mice injected with Ad are indicated by the star. *−P<0.01. FIG. 18E shows protein levels of cytokines and chemokines in spleens of mice knockout for integrins β₁, β₂, β₃, or WT mice injected with Ad or Ad5ΔRGD 1 hour after virus injection. N=4. Pos-C are dots that show the manufacturer's internal positive control samples on the membrane. Control—the spleen protein sample of a mouse injected with saline. FIG. 18F shows the amounts of cytokines and chemokines in the spleens of mice 1 hour after Ad injection. N=4. Mock—negative control mice injected with saline. Statistically significant differences between experimental groups and WT mice injected with Ad are indicated by the star. *−P<0.01.

FIG. 19 shows confocal microscopy analysis of IL-1α translocation into the nuclei of marginal zone macrophages in WT mice and β₃ integrin knockout mice injected with Ad, or WT mice injected with AdΔRGD mutant. Mice were injected intravenously with a high dose of the indicated viruses (10¹¹ virus particles per mouse), and 3 hours later spleens were harvested and sections were prepared and stained with DAPI (blue) to detect nuclei of splenocytes, as well as Abs specific for CD169 (green) or IL-1α (red). Confocal images were obtained using a Zeiss 510 Meta Confocal microscope. The physical borders of splenic germinal centers are indicated by punctuate lines. Marginal zone macrophages expressing IL-1α are indicated by arrows. Representative pictures are shown. N=4.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic representation of the design of Ad5 penton modified vectors and specific examples of large substitutions introduced in Ad5 penton RGD loop, containing substitutions of natural Ad5 penton amino acid sequences for amino acid sequences from human laminin 1 (50 amino acids-long) or laminin 3 (54 amino acids-long) and designation of the resultants vectors as Lam1 and Lam3 correspondingly. dRGD is Ad5ΔRGD virus containing RGD amino acids deleted in penton protein. The numbering of amino acids shown corresponds to amino acid numbering in wild type Ad5 penton.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D show the introduction of simultaneous mutations in the penton and FX-binding site of the hexon does not prevent Ad sequestration in the liver after intravascular administration. FIGS. 21A and 21B show the structural determinants of Ad5-based vector Ad-2M, which contains mutations in both the penton (Lam3 substituting mutation, as shown in FIG. 20) and hexon HVR7 T425A substitution. The quantitative PCR analysis of the amounts of Ad genomic DNA in the liver 1 hour after intravenous injection of the indicated vectors at a dose of 2×10¹⁰ virus particles per mouse. Ad-WT is Ad5-based vector containing no mutations in the capsid proteins. Ad-TEA is a vector containing single amino acid substitution in the hexon HVR7, T425A, which abrogates binding of blood coagulation factors. Ad-Lam is Ad vector containing Lam3 substitution within penton RGD loop as shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 21D shows the co-localization of virions of Ad-WT and Ad-2M (shown by arrows) with F-4/80-positive Kupffer cells (green) in the liver 1 hour after intravenous virus injection. Virus was stained with anti-hexon Ab (red). Note that Kupffer cells efficiently accumulate both Ad-WT and Ad-2M vectors.

FIG. 22 shows natural variation of hexon hyper-variable loop 1 (HVR1) amino acid sequences and length among indicated representative human Ad serotypes and amino acid sequence of HVR1 deletion/substitution mutation 136-DSAATSTAGGT-165, introduced into Ad5 hexon HVR1 loop in place of the natural amino acid sequence, located between amino acids 136D and 165T. This HVR1 mutation was introduced into Ad5-based vector in ADDITION to T425A mutation in HVR7 and penton Lam3 mutation/substitution, resulting in generation of a novel vector, Ad-3M, which contains three specific and discrete capsid protein mutations simultaneously and represents the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, and 23E show that the novel Ad5-based vector, Ad-3M, containing three specific and discrete mutations in capsid proteins, escapes sequestration in the liver and induces greatly attenuated inflammatory response after intravascular injection in mice. FIG. 23A shows the structural localization of mutations in capsid of Ad-3M vector that contains penton RGD-loop substitution for non-RGD containing amino acid sequences derived from human laminin-3 (as shown in FIG. 20), hexon HVR7 point mutation T425A, and HVR1 deletion/substitution (as shown in FIG. 22). FIG. 23B shows the quantitative PCR analysis of the amounts of Ad genomic DNA in the liver 1 hour after intravenous injection of the indicated vectors at a dose of 2×10¹⁰ virus particles per mouse. Ad-WT is Ad5-based vector containing no mutations in the capsid proteins. Ad-2M contains single amino acid substitution in the hexon HVR7, T425A, that abrogates binding of blood coagulation factors and Lam3 substitution within penton RGD loop as shown in FIG. 20. Ad-3M contains three simultaneous mutations in capsid proteins—two mutations identical to Ad-2M and HVR1 deletion/substitution as shown in FIG. 22. Note significant reduction of accumulation of Ad-3M genomic DNA in the liver 1 hour after intravenous virus administration. FIG. 23C shows co-localization of virions of Ad-WT (shown by arrows) and the lack of co-localization of Ad-3M virions with F-4/80-positive Kupffer cells (green) in the liver 1 hour after intravenous virus injection. Virus was stained with anti-hexon Ab (red). Note that Kupffer cells efficiently accumulate Ad-WT but do not accumulate Ad-3M virus particles. FIG. 23D shows in vivo inflammatory profile of control unmodified Ad-WT vector and Ad-3M vector with three mutations in the capsid, determined by mouse inflammatory antibody array profiling of the spleen 1 h after intravenous injection of 2×10 virus particles of indicated vectors. Mock—mice were injected with saline. Note major reduction in the amounts of all pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines analyzed observed in the spleens of mice injected with Ad-3M, compared to mice injected with control unmodified Ad-WT (Ad5) vector. N=3. Representative blots are shown. FIG. 23E shows intravenous administration of Ad-3M vector into mice does not trigger necrotic death of Kupffer cells in the liver. Propidium iodide-positive (PI) cells with red nuclei are indicated by the arrows. Kupffer cells were determined by staining of liver sections with anti-CD68 macrophage-specific antibodies (green). Representative fields are shown. Scale bar is 50 μm.

FIG. 24 shows the concept of equifunctional roles of different types of hepatic cells in trapping blood-borne Ads and associated mechanisms and strategies to prevent virus interaction with specific hepatic cells via introduction of mutations into Ad capsid proteins of a single virus, the preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIGS. 25A and 25B show additional examples of mutations introduced into Ad5 penton base RGD motif-containing loop, which modify penton binding to cellular integrins for in vivo virus targeting or de-targeting to host cells. FIG. 25A shows an example of deletion of an RGD-motif-containing loop. FIG. 25B shows an example of a substitution of an RGD motif for non-RGD motif-containing peptides, capable of selectively and iso-functionally to native RGD-containing amino acid sequences, to drive penton interactions with novel receptors in vivo, including but not limited to cellular integrins, present on tumor cells, but not abundantly expressed on the liver cells.

FIG. 26 shows modifications of Ad shown in FIG. 10 allowing it to replicate specifically in tumor cells, or to selectively infect tumor or other cell types and express foreign transgenes with anti-tumor or immune-stimulatory activity, after intravascular administration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic methods or specific recombinant biotechnology methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents unless otherwise specified, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

A. Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. For purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a pharmaceutical carrier” includes mixtures of two or more such carriers, and the like.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed the “less than or equal to 10” as well as “greater than or equal to 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point 15 are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings:

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon.

B. Compositions

Disclosed are the components to be used to prepare the disclosed compositions as well as the compositions themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these compounds may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein.

In one aspect, the present invention provides for novel modified Ad vectors.

i. Adenovirus

Adenovirus (also referred to herein as “Ad”) is a ubiquitous pathogen causing a wide range of human diseases, which include respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, hemonhagic cystitis, and gastrointestinal diseases (Shenk, 1996, 2001). In immunocompetent patients, Ad infection is self-limited, and after resolution of the acute infection, the virus remains latent in lymphoid and renal tissues. In contrast, in immunocompromized patients Ad may cause life threatening or even fatal fulminant hepatitis and disseminated infection of other tissues (Kojaoghlanian et al., 2003).

There are currently 60 characterized human Ad serotypes which are divided into seven species (formally subgroups) from A to G (Alonso-Padilla et al., 2015). Eighty percent pediatric patients develop antibodies to at least one of many Ad serotypes by the age of 5 (Barouch et al., 2011; Bradley et al., 2012; Roberts et al., 2006) The prevalence of human Ad species C-specific antibodies in these populations reaches as high as 50 to 80% (Alonso-Padilla et al., 2015; Barouch et al., 2011). Although various Ad serotypes may initiate infection via different transmission routes, and by utilizing distinct virus attachment receptors, the host factors and cell types controlling tissue specificity of Ad infection in vivo remain insufficiently understood.

The Ad genome is a double-stranded linear DNA molecule of about 36 kilobases containing genes encoding the viral proteins. At the ends of the Ad genome, inverted repeats (also referred to as inverted terminal repeats or ITRs) contain replication and the encapsidation regions. The early genes are distributed in four regions dispersed in the Ad genome (designated E1 to E4). The early genes are expressed in six transcriptional units. The late genes (designated Li to L5) partly overlap with the early transcription units and are generally transcribed from the major late promoter (referred to as MLP) (Shenk, 2001).

The Ad infectious cycle occurs in two steps. The early phase precedes the initiation of replication and makes it possible to produce the early proteins regulating the replication and transcription of the viral DNA. The replication of the genome is followed by the late phase during which the structural proteins that constitute the viral particles are synthesized. The assembly of the new virions takes place in the host cell nucleus. In a first stage, the viral proteins assemble so as to form empty capsids of icosahedral structure into which the genome is encapsidated. The assembled virus includes a penton base and fiber. The Ads liberated are capable of infecting other permissive cells. The fiber and the penton base present at the surface of the capsids play a role in the cellular attachment of the virions and their internalization.

In vitro studies demonstrated that Ad infection starts with the virus binding to a high affinity primary attachment receptor on the cell surface (Nemerow, 2000). The trimeric Ad fiber protein mediates this interaction when its distal knob domain binds to a specific cellular receptor. For binding to cells, species A, C, D, E, and F human Ad may utilize the coxsackievirus and Ad receptor (CAR) (Roelvink et al., 1998); however, the majority of human species B Ad utilize CD46 as a high affinity cellular attachment receptor (Gaggar et al., 2003). In this regard, soluble Ad fiber or anti-fiber antibodies can inhibit infection by the Ad. Fiber-mediated binding of Ad to cells is followed by RGD motif-mediated binding of the viral penton base protein to cellular integrins (e.g., α_(v)β₃ and α_(v)β₅) (Nemerow and Stewart, 1999). This interaction induces integrin activation and cytoskeleton rearrangement that facilitates internalization of the virus particle into the cell. Based in part on this knowledge, previous disclosure provided Ad vectors that were designed to change Ad interactions with integrins in the in vitro cell culture systems. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,136, which is incorporated by reference herein. However the patent above does not teach of constructing Ads for in vivo applications, capable of escaping liver sequestration after intravascular administration and triggering reduced inflammatory responses. Importantly, Ads vectors comprising only a mutated penton protein are trapped in the liver tissue at levels identical to the wild type virus and therefore cannot be used for efficient infecting of extra-hepatic cells.

Ads are used in an increasing number of applications for gene transfer. Ads have been identified in numerous animal species. They exhibit low pathogenicity in immune-competent individuals, and replicate both in dividing and quiescent cells. Ads generally exhibit a broad host spectrum and are capable of infecting a very large number of cell types, such as epithelial cells, endothelial cells, myocytes, hepatocytes, nerve cells, and synoviocytes, among many other cell types.

Recombinant Ad vectors are derived from Ads and usually include cis acting regions that are necessary for the replication of the virus in the infected cell (e.g., the ITRs and encapsidation sequences). Recombinant Ad vectors can also contain substantial internal deletions designed to remove or modify viral genes, to allow for the insertion of a heterologous gene(s) for gene transfer. To accommodate heterologous genes, Ads used in gene transfer protocols can be made deficient for replication by deletion of at least the E1 region and are propagated in a complementation host cell line that provides the deleted viral function(s) in trans. One commonly used host cell line, the 293 line, was established from human embryonic kidney cells and provides the Ad E1 function in trans.

Gene delivery systems based on human species C Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) are among the most frequently used in clinical studies, which aim to correct human genetic and acquired diseases, including cancer. The extreme propensity of the virus for hepatocyte infection following its intravascular delivery has made Ad5 the vector of choice for applications requiring high level transgene expression in hepatocytes in vivo. However, the efficient interaction between Ad5 and liver cells, which sequester over 90% of the delivered vector dose (Alemany and Curiel, 2001; Alemany et al., 2000; Worgall et al., 1997), represents a significant hindrance if gene delivery to extra-hepatic cells and tissues, such as disseminated metastatic cancer cells and tissues, is required. From in vitro analyses it was found that Ad5 infection is initiated when the minor capsid protein, fiber, binds to CAR on the cell surface (Bergelson et al., 1997). Subsequent binding of the penton base protein to cellular integrins facilitates internalization of the attached particle into the cell (Wickham et al., 1993). Although both CAR and integrin binding are important for cell infection in vitro, neither of these interactions are essential for Ad5 entry into hepatocytes in vivo (Alemany and Curiel, 2001; Shayakhmetov et al., 2004).

Ad sequestration in liver resident macrophages, Kuppffer cells (Lieber et al., 1997), and macrophages residing in other organs of the body, such as spleen (Di Paolo et al., 2009a), leads to activation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, induction of pro-inflammatory-type of cell death (Manickan et al., 2006), rapid release on polymorphonuclear leukocytes from the bone marrow into the blood (Di Paolo N.C., 2014) and systemic toxicity manifested by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in the blood, systemic complement activation, followed by leukocytopenia. Acute systemic inflammatory response associated with intravenous administration of Ad represents the key barrier for escalating Ad doses to a level that is therapeutic in gene transfer applications or transduction of metastatic tumors.

The transduction of hepatocytes and the sequestration of Ad virions in the liver tissue after intravascular virus injection are governed by distinct molecular mechanisms. The liver residential macrophages, Kupffer cells, were thought to play the dominant role amongst factors contributing to the sequestration of blood-born Ad virions in the liver. Indeed, when Ad is injected into mice intravenously, Kupffer cells rapidly accumulate large amounts of virus particles (Di Paolo et al., 2009b). Moreover, elimination of Kupffer cells from the liver after treatment of mice with ether clodronate liposomes or gadolinium chloride results in a marked increase in the levels of hepatocyte-specific Ad-mediated gene transfer (Wolff et al., 1997; Worgall et al., 1997), suggesting that significant amounts of infectious virus particles can be trapped by Kupffer cells.

Binding of blood coagulation factor X to Ad5 hexon leads to efficient hepatocyte transduction (Kalyuzhniy et al., 2008; Waddington et al., 2008). However, the sequestration in the liver of Ad5 hexon mutant, which was unable to bind coagulation factors and transduce hepatocytes, was relatively unchanged compared to control unmodified vectors (Kalyuzhniy et al., 2008).

This invention provides for novel genetically-modified Ad vectors that contain mutations, which simultaneously structurally and functionally diminish or abrogate specific virus interactions with liver cells in a host in vivo and also demonstrate greatly attenuated systemic toxicity and inflammation. One example comprises capsid-modified Ad vectors, wherein a hexon gene is mutated such that Ad interaction with blood factors, including vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation factors, is abrogated. In another example, a capsid-modified Ad vector comprises a mutated penton gene, such that the Ad interaction in vivo with classes of natural Ad-interacting cellular integrins is diminished or reduced. In another example, the hexon and penton mutations are combined in one vector, leading to the production of the vector suitable for intravascular administration and demonstrating greatly attenuated systemic toxicity and inflammation.

The best mode to carry the invention and as an ultimate and preferred example of embodiment of the novel vector, in addition to mutations in the penton and within the coagulation factor-binding site in the hexon, a third mutation is introduced in the hexon surface-exposed hyper-variable loop 1 (HVR1) that ablates virus interaction with Kupffer cells, resulting in generation of the vector containing three mutations simultaneously. This novel vector, possessing three mutations simultaneously (one in penton and two in hexon hyper variable loops to ablate coagulation factor binding and to prevent virus sequestration in Kupffer cells), escapes sequestration in the liver tissue and demonstrates greatly attenuated systemic toxicity after intravascular administration.

In addition to mutations in hexon and/or penton genes as described above, the Ad vectors described herein can comprise mutations in a gene that encodes for the fiber protein, protein IX, and/or other structural or non-structural proteins.

Further, the hexon and/or penton mutations can be employed along with administration of one or more substances that further reduce Ad targeting and sequestration in the liver of the host. In one example, warfarin can be used to reduce the interaction of blood cells and blood coagulation factors with the Ad vectors. In another example, the host can be clodronate liposome-treated such that Kupffer cells are killed and eliminated from the liver.

Additionally, the Ad vectors, as described herein, can carry one or more transgenes that, for example, exhibit anti-tumor, tumor-suppressor, and/or immune-stimulatory activities or one or more genetic mutations, which enable tumor-selective virus replication. Further, the recombinant Ads as described herein provide a novel design of functionally-distinct and defined sets of mutations, which enable the virus of escaping interaction with host proteins and factors and thereby avoid trapping of the virus in the liver after intravascular delivery.

Ads vectors based on non-Ad5 human serotypes or animal serotypes exhibit differential ability to interact with host proteins and factors, including but not limited to vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation factors, after intravascular administration (Kalyuzhniy et al., 2008). This disclosure and the molecular mechanisms and functional interactions described here in, provide rationale and methods for modification of non-human Ad5-based vectors to allow their escape from being sequestered in the liver after intravascular delivery. If the non-Ad5-based vector is naturally unable to interact with vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation factors (such as human Ad serotypes Ad9, Ad50, Ad26, Ad48, Ad51 (FIG. 12D, continued)), then their trapping in the liver after intravascular administration can be prevented via mutations in the penton and/or Kupffer-cell-targeting hexon hyper-variable loops (HVRs). When the non-Ad5-based vector naturally unable to interact with both, the blood factors and Kupffer cells due to natural variation in amino acid sequence of hexon HVRs, the introduction of mutation in penton only is sufficient to allow the virus to escape from the liver sequestration after intravascular administration.

The modified Ad vectors, as described herein, can be employed in one or more methods. In one such method, one or more of the Ad vectors are employed in a method for delivering a transgene or being designed as replicating oncolytic virus targeted to a non-liver cell or both, wherein the target cell can be present within the body of the host. One or more of the Ad vectors can be employed in a method of administering an Ad such that the Ad virions evade sequestration in a host's liver. Such liver detargeted replicating or non-replicating Ad vectors can be useful for use in delivering one or more predetermined transgenes to non-hepatic cells within the body of the host, wherein the transgene is configured to correct a genetic, biochemical, or physiological defect in the host cell or host body or they can be used for eliminating localized or metastatic cancer or treat both solid or hematologic malignancies.

As noted above, the present invention provides for novel modified Ad vectors for the generation and use of Ad vectors comprising modified hexon and/or penton capsid proteins, where the modifications are made to avoid the trapping of Ad in the liver after intravenous virus administration. Additionally, the Ad vectors described herein can comprise genetic mutations in virus-encoded structural and non-structural proteins to enable tumor cell-specific infection and replication of the virus.

In particular, the present invention provides for a recombinant, double-stranded, Ad vector where the single virus genomic DNA molecule comprising genetic mutations in a hexon gene and/or a penton gene. The first type of hexon mutations are configured to reduce or ablate virus interaction with blood coagulation factors, including coagulation factors (F) FX, FIX, FVII, Protein C and Protein S. The second type of hexon mutations are confined to reduce or ablate virus interaction with Kupffer cells, either directly or indirectly, when the virus is administered or reaches into the bloodstream and, therefore, can be present in a complex with blood proteins, other than coagulation factors. The penton mutations are configured to reduce or ablate Ad interactions with cellular integrins, in particular of β3 class. A schematic configuration of one example of a recombinant Ad vector having described mutations in both hexon and penton and their functional significance is depicted in FIGS. 10 and 23A.

In addition to the above identified mutations, the Ads of the invention may further comprise additional mutations. Specific mutations ablating hexon interaction with blood coagulation factors, include mutation, deletion, or substitution of amino acids TET within human Ad5 hexon hypervariable region (HVR) 7 (FIGS. 11, 12). For human Ad5 serotype, a single amino acid substitution T425A in hexon HVR7 is sufficient to ablate interaction of the virus with blood coagulation factor X (FIGS. 13, 14) (Doronin et al., 2012). For other human and animal Ad serotypes, coagulation blood factor-ablating mutation can be introduced into either HVR3 or HVR7 (FIG. 12), depending on where the favorable amino acid sequence for coagulation factor binding is located (Kalyuzhniy et al., 2008). The Ad vector hexon sequence can be a hybrid and can comprise fragments of diverse origins. In certain embodiments, the hexon gene is derived from a human Ad, such as those of serotype C and, in particular, the type 2 or 5 Ads (Ad2 or Ad5). Thus, for example, described herein are Ads, wherein the Ad further comprises a mutation in the HVR3, HVRS, or HVR7 region of the hexon protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of a vitamin K dependent clotting factor.

Specific mutations ablating hexon interaction with Kupffer cells include mutation, deletion, or substitution of amino acids comprising Ad5 HVR1 including but not limited to amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 22. For example, the Ads of the invention described herein are Ads further comprising a mutation in the HVR1 region of the hexon protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced virus interaction with Kupffer cells in the liver.

As noted above, the term “mutation” refers to a substitution, deletion, and/or insertion of one or more residues in the Ad hexon protein. The mutation of blood factor protein binding site can reduce the affinity or avidity of the hexon for the blood factor protein by a factor of about 10, of about 100, of about 1000, of about 10,000, or about 100,000, or of about 1,000,000, or more. In certain embodiments, the blood factor protein binding site is ablated, meaning that no biologically significant blood factor protein binding is retained.

In the context of hexon mutation to avoid virus interaction with Kupffer cells, the mutation comprises a substitution, deletion, and/or insertion of one or more residues in the Ad hexon protein in such a manner, that the virus accumulation in Kupffer cells is reduced or abrogated. When such a hexon mutation is combined in a single virus with mutations ablating blood coagulation factor binding and penton mutation preventing virus interaction with RGD-motif-binging integrins, the resultant virus escapes sequestration in the liver tissue after intravascular administration and induces little or no acute inflammatory response (FIG. 23). The Ad vector hexon sequence can be a hybrid and can comprise fragments of diverse origins, and can comprise naturally-occurring or non-naturally-occurring sequences. In certain embodiments, the hexon gene is derived from a human Ad, such as those of serotype C and, in particular, the type 2 or 5 Ads (Ad2 or Ad5).

In one aspect present invention provides for penton-modified Ads having Ad penton protein mutated in the regions involved in binding the β3 and β5 class of integrins. Such mutations can include deletion, or substitution of an RGD motif containing penton base loop (FIGS. 17, 20, 25) such that penton protein interactions with cellular integrins in vivo, in particular of the β3 and β5 class, are reduced or eliminated. In other words, the one embodiment of the invention described herein are isolated Ads with a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of β3 integrins of a host cell in vivo. In this context, the term “mutation” refers to a substitution, deletion, and/or insertion of one or more residues in the Ad penton protein. The mutation of integrin binding site can reduce the affinity or avidity of the penton for the integrin protein by a factor of about 10, of about 100, of about 1000, of about 10,000, or about 100,000, or of about 1,000,000, or more. In certain embodiments, the integrin protein binding site is ablated, meaning that no biologically significant integrin protein binding is retained. In one aspect, described herein are Ads wherein the RGD amino acid motif of penton loop is substituted for non-RGD motif-containing peptide, capable of binding to non-β3 cellular integrins in vivo. Also disclosed are Ads wherein the RGD amino acid motif of penton loop is substituted for non-RGD motif-containing peptide, capable of binding to plasma-membrane receptors of non-integrin class in vivo. The Ad vector penton sequence can be a hybrid and can comprise fragments of diverse origins, and can comprise naturally-occurring or non-naturally-occurring sequences. In certain embodiments, the penton gene is derived from a human Ad, such as those of serotype C and, in particular, the type 2 or 5 Ads (Ad2 or Ad5). Thus, in one aspect described herein are Ads wherein the Ad is a species C Ad and/or the Ad serotype is type 5 or 2.

As noted above, the Ad vectors described herein can be based on human Ad serotype 5 (Ad5); however the Ad vectors can be based on any other human or animal Ad serotype. For example, non-human Ads can include canine, avian, bovine, murine, ovine, porcine or simian origin. If alternative to Ad5 serotypes are used for gene therapy after intravascular administration, the functional-inactivating mutation of only one of two proteins (either hexon or penton) can be necessary and sufficient to prevent virus trapping in the liver after intravascular injection, depending on the ability of non-Ad5 hexon to bind coagulation factors, interact with Kupffer cells, or non-Ad5 penton to bind cellular integrins (FIGS. 9, 24). For instance Ad serotype-9 (Ad9) hexon does not bind coagulation factors due to the lack of FX-binding motif in its hexon protein (FIG. 12D, continued). Therefore, to ablate Ad9 trapping in the liver, introduction of hexon mutation in HVR1 and penton mutation to ablate its binding to integrins can be carried out. Ad serotype-41 (Ad41) does not bind RGD motif interacting cellular integrins due to the lack of an RGD motif (FIG. 16). Therefore, introduction of mutation in FX-binding motif and HVR1 in the hexon can be carried out to prevent virus trapping in the liver.

Further, the Ad described herein can comprise additional mutations within its minor capsid proteins, including but not limited to fiber and/or pIX, to enable cell-type-specific virus targeting. The Ad described herein can further comprise genetic mutations in virus-encoded non-structural proteins to enable its tumor cell-specific replication. The fiber/pIX protein and/or non-structural protein mutations can be combined with hexon and/or penton mutations, such that a single Ad vector possess one or more mutations in each of genes that code for the hexon, penton, fiber, pIX, and non-structural proteins (as illustrated in FIG. 26).

“Tumor specific gene expression” and tumor specific” is intended to encompass vector gene expression in a tumor cell but it is understood that vector gene expression in normal cell may also occur, albeit at low levels, which may be considered negligible and background.

TABLE 1 Affinity of FX binding to different viruses. Virus Immobilized RU Kd, nM Adenovirus Ad5 384 0.229 Ad16 470 1.67 Ad2 352 52.9 Ad21 615 410 Ad41 347 630 Ad4 2900 2480 Ad3 2973 3000 Ad35 315 No binding Ad51 667 No binding Ad9 311 No binding Ad50 256 No binding Reovirus T3D 486 No binding Ad5-sCAR* 7.9 Ad9-sCAR* 6400 Ad12-sCAR* 15 Ad41L-sCAR* 7.3

The Ad vectors, as described herein, can be administered to a mammal intravenously after pharmacological conditioning of the host to at least partially inhibit host mechanisms for trapping virus in the liver. For example, association of modified Ad virions with liver sinusoids can be reduced below a threshold for detection after injection of warfarin- and clodronate liposome-treated mammals with a penton-mutated Ad (FIG. 7D). Warfarin can reduce the interaction of hexon proteins with blood factors, and clodronate liposome treatment can at least partially inhibit virus sequestration within Kupffer cells. Ad virion sequestration within Kupffer cells may occur via mechanisms unrelated to blood coagulation factors and/or cellular integrins. In some embodiments, one or more predetermined hexon protein mutations can be used to abrogate Ad virion binding and transduction of blood cells, rather than employing a pharmacological intervention, such as warfarin.

Herein, the contribution of each of the known mechanisms in mediating the sequestration of blood-born Ad virions in the liver was systematically analyzed. The data indicates that specific elimination of Kupffer cells with clodronate liposomes or inactivation of blood-factor pathway with warfarin independently does not result in a measurable reduction of Ad DNA levels trapped in the liver after intravenous virus injection (FIGS. 2A and 4D). Although the treatment of mice with warfarin completely ablated Ad5 mediated hepatocyte transduction, the capacity of Kupffer cells to trap Ad virions remained unaffected (FIG. 4C). Moreover, it was found that in warfarin-treated mice, Ad transduces liver sinusoid endothelial cells (FIG. 3), a cell type not readily transduced by Ad virions after intravenous injection. The simultaneous elimination of Kupffer cells and ablation of a blood-factor pathway resulted in only a 35% reduction in the amounts of Ad DNA trapped in the liver after intravenous virus injection (FIGS. 5A, 5B).

Evaluation of liver sections of mice treated with both clodronate liposomes and warfarin followed by Ad administration revealed that the large amounts of Ad particles were localized to the liver sinusoids as free particles. Administration of Ad5 into β3-integrin knockout mice that were treated with warfarin and clodronate liposomes further reduced the levels of Ad DNA sequestered by the liver (FIG. 7). The microscopically detectable association of Ad virions with liver sinusoids can be completely eliminated after injection of warfarin, and clodronate liposome-treated mice with an Ad5ΔRGD vector, possessing RGD motif-deletion within the penton base protein FIG. 7D). The levels of Ad5ΔRGD DNA trapped in the liver after intravenous virus injection in these mice were below 20% of the levels observed in animals treated with each of the drugs individually or untreated controls (FIG. 8). The data provides evidence for the redundancy and synergism of molecular pathways that control the sequestration of blood-born Ad virions in the liver tissue.

To provide for novel Ad vectors of the present invention that exhibit significantly reduced sequestration in the liver after circulation in the blood, a series of mutant Ad5-based vectors were constructed comprising individual mutations abrogating virus interaction with cellular β3 integrins in vivo (e.g. Ad5ΔRGD (FIG. 17), Ad-Lam1 (FIG. 20, SEQ ID No.: 3), and Ad-Lam3 (FIG. 20, SEQ ID No.: 4), blood coagulation factors (Ad-TEA, HVR7 T425A mutant, SEQ ID No.: 2, FIGS. 13,14), a virus Ad-2M, comprising combined mutations in penton RGD loop and hexon HVR7 loop (FIG. 21), and a virus Ad-3M, comprising three simultaneous mutations—1) the penton RGD-loop mutation (SEQ ID No.: 4); 2) the hexon HVR7 T425A mutation (SEQ ID No.: 2); and the novel hexon HVR1 mutation (SEQ ID No.: 5, FIGS. 22, 23). After intravenous injection of all of these viruses in mice, only Ad-3M virus escaped being sequestered in the liver, while all other virus variants were trapped in the liver at the amounts similar to those observed for wild type virus, Ad-WT, representing a capsid without any modifications (FIGS. 21C, 23B). The properties of genetic mutation of Ad hexon HVR1 loop, which are allowing for elimination of Ad interactions with liver Kupffer cells in vivo after intravascular virus delivery have never been reported and represent integral part of and innovative beneficial aspects of this invention.

In addition to escaping of being sequestered in the liver tissue, Ad-3M vector did not accumulate in Kupffer cells at a physical particle level (FIG. 23C), did not triggered their necrotic death (FIG. 23E), and was unable to activate inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spleen (FIG. 23D), demonstrating greatly reduced toxicity after intravascular administration, compared to control unmodified Ad-WT virus (SEQ ID No.: 1) or Ad-Lam1 (SEQ ID No.: 3), Ad-Lam3 (SEQ ID No.: 4), and Ad-2M vectors, comprising individual mutations in penton or penton and hexon HVR7 mutations only (FIG. 21C, 21D). These properties of the Ad-3M virus can be beneficial for human gene therapy applications and allow for escalating administered vector doses without compromising the safety of the therapy.

In another aspect, a DNA fragment encoding a mutant Ad hexon, penton, fiber, and/or non-structural protein and a vector for expressing such a DNA fragment, are provided. The necessary transcriptional and translational signals can also be supplied by the native Ad nucleic acids and/or its flanking regions, or can be heterologous. The DNA fragment can be, for example, an expression cassette. Such an expression cassette optionally can include a heterologous promoter operatively linked to a DNA fragment encoding a mutant Ad hexon. The vector can be, for example, a plasmid or virus, integrative or otherwise.

The DNA fragment, expression cassette and/or vector also can be combined with one or more substances capable of improving the transfection efficiency and/or the stability of the fragment, cassette or vector. Such substances include, for example, polymers, lipids (e.g., cationic lipids), liposomes, nuclear proteins and neutral lipids.

In certain embodiments, the Ad can be a recombinant and replication-defective Ad (i.e., incapable of autonomously replicating in a host cell). Such a replication-deficient Ad can include, for example, a mutation or deletion of one or more viral regions, such as, for example, all or part of the E1 region and/or E3 region. The genome of an Ad optionally can include additional deletions or mutations affecting other regions, such as, for example, the E2, E4 and/or L1-L5 regions, including complete deletion of the virus coding sequences and replacement with non-Ad DNA (so called “helper-dependent” vectors).

The Ad vectors can optionally be recombinant Ads and comprise one or more genes of interest contained within a nucleic acid segment, which is introduced into the Ad vectors. The genes of interest can be placed under the control of the elements necessary for their expression in a host cell. The gene of interest is typically a human or non-human heterologous gene (i.e., a non-Ad gene). The gene of interest can be, for example, genomic, cDNA (complementary DNA), a hybrid or chimeric gene (e.g., a minigene lacking one or more introns), or the like. It can be obtained, for example, by conventional molecular biology techniques and/or by chemical synthesis. A gene of interest can encode, for example, an antisense RNA, shRNA, lncRNA, or siRNA, a ribozyme or an mRNA that can be translated into a polypeptide of interest. A polypeptide of interest can be, for example, a nuclear, cytoplasmic, membrane, secreted or other type of protein. Further, the polypeptide of interest can be, for example, a polypeptide as found in nature, a chimeric polypeptide obtained from the fusion of sequences of diverse origins, or of a polypeptide mutated relative to the native sequence having improved and/or modified biological properties.

In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid segment can comprise a predetermined gene of interest that is configured to achieve a predetermined function or outcome. The gene of interest can encode, for example and without limitation, one of the following polypeptides: cytokines or lymphokines (α-, β- or γ-interferon, interleukins (e.g., IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-15R, and IL-24), tumor necrosis factors (TNF), colony stimulating factors (e.g., GM-CSF, C-CSF, M-CSF, or the like)); cellular or nuclear receptors (e.g., those recognized by pathogenic organisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria or parasites)); proteins involved in activation of innate immune signaling of prokaryotic or eukaryotic origin (e.g. bacterial flagellin, or the like); proteins involved in triggering a genetic diseases (e.g., factor VII, factor VIII, factor IX, dystrophin or minidystrophin, insulin, CFTR protein (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator)); growth hormones (e.g., insulin, hGH or the like); enzymes (e.g., urease, renin, thrombin, or the like); enzyme inhibitors (e.g., al-antitrypsin, antithrombin III, viral protease inhibitors, or the like); polypeptides with antitumor effect (e.g., which are capable of at least partially inhibiting the initiation or the progression of tumors or cancers), such as antibodies, inhibitors acting on cell division or transduction signals, products of expression of tumor suppressor genes (specifically, but without limitation, p53 or pRb), proteins stimulating the immune system, or the like); proteins of the class I or II major histocompatibility complex or regulatory proteins acting on the expression of the corresponding genes; polypeptides capable of inhibiting a viral, bacterial or parasitic infection or its development (e.g., antigenic polypeptides having immunogenic properties, antigenic epitopes, antibodies, transdominant variants capable of inhibiting the action of a native protein by competition, or the like); toxins (e.g., herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase (HSV-1-TK), ricin, cholera toxin, diphtheria toxin, or the like) or immunotoxins; markers (13-galactosidase, luciferase, Green Fluorescent Protein, or the like); polypeptides having an effect on apoptosis (e.g., inducer of apoptosis: Bax, or the like, inducer of apoptosis Bcl2, Bclx, or the like); cytostatic agents (e.g., p21, p16, Rb, or the like); apolipoproteins (e.g., apoE or the like); superoxide dismutase, catalase, nitric oxide synthase (NOS); growth factors (e.g., Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factors (VEGFs), insulin, or the like), or others genes having therapeutic or research interest. It should be noted that this list is not limiting and that other genes can also be used. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide of interest is not a marker (e.g., β-galactosidase, luciferase, Green Fluorescent Protein, or the like).

The Ad optionally can include a selectable gene which allows for selection or identification of the infected cells. Suitable selectable genes include, for example, Neo (encoding neomycin phosphotransferase), DHFR (Dihydrofolate Reductase), CAT (Chlorainphenicol Acetyl transferase), PAC (Puromycin Acetyl-Transferase), GPT (Xanthine Guanine Phosphoriboxyl Transferase), or the like. In other embodiments, the Ad is free of selectable genes.

In certain embodiments, the gene of interest can optionally include elements necessary for the expression of the gene in a host cell. Such elements include, for example, elements facilitating transcription of the gene into RNA and/or the translation of an mRNA into a protein. Suitable promoters include, for example, those of eukaryotic or viral origin. Suitable promoters can be constitutive or regulatable (e.g., inducible). A promoter can be modified to increase promoter activity, suppress a transcription-inhibiting region, make a constitutive promoter regulatable, or the like, introduce a restriction site, or the like. Examples of suitable promoters include, for example, the CMV (Cytomegalovirus) viral promoter, the RSV (Rous Sarcoma Virus) viral promoter, the promoter of the HSV-1 virus TK gene, the early promoter of the SV40 virus (Simian Virus 40), the Ad MLP promoter, the eukaryotic promoters of the murine or human genes for PGK (Phospho Glycerate kinase), MT (metallothionein), al-antitrypsin and albumin (liver-specific), immunoglobulins (lymphocyte-specific), a tumor-specific promoter (e.g., a-fetoprotein AFP (see, e.g., Ido et al., Cancer Res. 55:3105-09 (1995)); MLJC-1; prostate specific antigen (PSA) (see, e.g., Lee et al., J. Biol. Chem. 271:4561-68 (1996)); and flt1 specific for endothelial cells (e.g., Morishita et al., J. Biol. Chem. 270:27948-53 (1995)).

A gene of interest can also include additional elements for the expression (e.g., an intron sequence, a signal sequence, a nuclear localization sequence, a transcription termination sequence, a site for initiation of translation of the IRES type, or the like), for its maintenance in the host cell, or the like.

Also provided are methods of preparing a human or non-human Ad vector according to the present disclosure. Such methods can include, for example, transfecting the genome of the Ad (encoding a mutant Ad hexon protein) into an appropriate cell line and culturing the transfected cell line under appropriate conditions in order to allow the production of the Ad. The Ad optionally can be recovered from the culture. In certain embodiments, e.g. for gene therapy and cancer therapy, the Ad is substantially purified.

The cell line can be selected according to the deficient functions in the Ad, as applicable. A complementation host cell line capable of providing in trans the deficient function(s) can be used. In certain embodiments, the 293 line is used for complementing the E1 function (see, e.g., Graham et al., I Gen. Virol. 36:59-72 (1977) (Graham and van der Eb, 1973)). A complementation host cell line also can complement multiple Ad gene deficiencies, such as, for example, a deficiency of the E1 and E2 or E4. In certain embodiments, a helper virus can be used to complement the defective Ad in a host cell. Methods of propagating defective Ads are known in the art (see, e.g., Graham and Prevec, Methods in Molecular Biology (ed. E. J. Murey, The Human Press Inc.), vol. 7, p. 190-128 (1997)). The Ad genome also can be reconstituted in vitro in, for example, Escherichia coli (E. coli) by ligation and/or by homologous recombination.

Further provided herein is a host cell infected with an Ad according to the present disclosure or capable of being obtained by a method according to the present invention. The infected host cell can be, for example, a mammalian cell, such as a human cell, or a nonhuman, animal cell. An infected host cell also can be, for example, a primary or tumor cell and of any suitable origin, for example, of hematopoietic (e.g., a totipotent stem cell, leukocyte, lymphocyte, monocyte or macrophage, or the like), muscle (e.g., a satellite cell, myocyte, myoblast, smooth muscle cell), cardiac, nasal, pulmonary, tracheal, hepatic, epithelial or fibroblast origin.

In addition to the examples of the embodiment of Ads and Ad vectors, provided herein are isolated nucleic acids encoding an Ad penton protein, the penton protein comprising a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of a host cell β3 integrin proteins in vivo, when expressed in an Ad. In a further aspect, disclosed herein are isolated nucleic acids, wherein the nucleic acid additionally encodes an Ad hexon protein, the hexon protein comprising a mutation in the HVR3, HVR5, or HVR7 region of the hexon protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of a vitamin K dependent clotting factor in vivo when expressed in an Ad.

ii. Nucleic Acids

The provided nucleic acids are made up of for example, nucleotides, nucleotide analogs, or nucleotide substitutes. Non-limiting examples of these and other molecules are discussed herein. It is understood that for example, when a vector is expressed in a cell, that the expressed mRNA will typically be made up of A, C, G, and U. Likewise, it is understood that if, for example, an antisense molecule is introduced into a cell or cell environment through for example exogenous delivery, it is advantagous that the antisense molecule be made up of nucleotide analogs that reduce the degradation of the antisense molecule in the cellular environment.

A nucleotide is a molecule that contains a base moiety, a sugar moiety and a phosphate moiety. Nucleotides can be linked together through their phosphate moieties and sugar moieties creating an internucleoside linkage. The base moiety of a nucleotide can be adenin-9-yl (A), cytosin-1-yl (C), guanin-9-yl (G), uracil-1-yl (U), and thymin-1-yl (T). The sugar moiety of a nucleotide is a ribose or a deoxyribose. The phosphate moiety of a nucleotide is pentavalent phosphate. An non-limiting example of a nucleotide would be 3′-AMP (3′-adenosine monophosphate) or 5′-GMP (5′-guanosine monophosphate).

It is understood that nucleotide analogs need only contain a single modification, but may also contain multiple modifications within one of the moieties or between different moieties.

iii. Expression Systems

The nucleic acids that are delivered to cells typically contain expression controlling systems. For example, the inserted genes in viral and retroviral systems usually contain promoters, and/or enhancers to help control the expression of the desired gene product. A promoter is generally a sequence or sequences of DNA that function when in a relatively fixed location in regard to the transcription start site. A promoter contains core elements required for basic interaction of RNA polymerase and transcription factors, and may contain upstream elements and response elements.

1. Viral Promoters and Enhancers

Preferred promoters controlling transcription from vectors in mammalian host cells may be obtained from various sources, for example, the genomes of viruses such as: polyoma, Simian Virus 40 (SV40), Ad, retroviruses, hepatitis-B virus and most preferably cytomegalovirus, or from heterologous mammalian promoters, e.g. beta actin promoter. The early and late promoters of the SV40 virus are conveniently obtained as an SV40 restriction fragment which also contains the SV40 viral origin of replication (Fiers et al., Nature, 273: 113 (1978)). The immediate early promoter of the human cytomegalovirus is conveniently obtained as a HindIII E restriction fragment (Greenway, P. J. et al., Gene 18: 355-360 (1982)). Of course, promoters from the host cell or related species also are useful herein.

Enhancer generally refers to a sequence of DNA that functions at no fixed distance from the transcription start site and can be either 5′ (Laimins, L. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 78: 993 (1981)) or 3′ (Lusky, M. L., et al., Mol. Cell Bio. 3: 1108 (1983)) to the transcription unit. Furthermore, enhancers can be within an intron (Banerji, J. L. et al., Cell 33: 729 (1983)) as well as within the coding sequence itself (Osborne, T. F., et al., Mol. Cell Bio. 4: 1293 (1984)). They are usually between 10 and 300 bp in length, and they function in cis. Enhancers f unction to increase transcription from nearby promoters. Enhancers also often contain response elements that mediate the regulation of transcription. Promoters can also contain response elements that mediate the regulation of transcription. Enhancers often determine the regulation of expression of a gene. While many enhancer sequences are now known from mammalian genes (globin, elastase, albumin, -fetoprotein and insulin), typically one will use an enhancer from a eukaryotic cell virus for general expression. Preferred examples are the SV40 enhancer on the late side of the replication origin (bp 100-270), the cytomegalovirus early promoter enhancer, the polyoma enhancer on the late side of the replication origin, and Ad enhancers.

The promotor and/or enhancer may be specifically activated either by light or specific chemical events which trigger their function. Systems can be regulated by reagents such as tetracycline and dexamethasone. There are also ways to enhance viral vector gene expression by exposure to irradiation, such as gamma irradiation, or alkylating chemotherapy drugs.

In certain embodiments the promoter and/or enhancer region can act as a constitutive promoter and/or enhancer to maximize expression of the region of the transcription unit to be transcribed. In certain constructs the promoter and/or enhancer region be active in all eukaryotic cell types, even if it is only expressed in a particular type of cell at a particular time. A preferred promoter of this type is the CMV promoter (650 bases). Other preferred promoters are SV40 promoters, cytomegalovirus (full length promoter), and retroviral vector LTR.

It has been shown that all specific regulatory elements can be cloned and used to construct expression vectors that are selectively expressed in specific cell types such as melanoma cells. The glial fibrillary acetic protein (GFAP) promoter has been used to selectively express genes in cells of glial origin.

Expression vectors used in eukaryotic host cells (yeast, fungi, insect, plant, animal, human or nucleated cells) may also contain sequences necessary for the termination of transcription which may affect mRNA expression. These regions are transcribed as polyadenylated segments in the untranslated portion of the mRNA encoding tissue factor protein. The 3′ untranslated regions also include transcription termination sites. It is preferred that the transcription unit also contains a polyadenylation region. One benefit of this region is that it increases the likelihood that the transcribed unit will be processed and transported like mRNA. The identification and use of polyadenylation signals in expression constructs is well established. It is preferred that homologous polyadenylation signals be used in the transgene constructs. In certain transcription units, the polyadenylation region is derived from the SV40 early polyadenylation signal and consists of about 400 bases. It is also preferred that the transcribed units contain other standard sequences alone or in combination with the above sequences improve expression from, or stability of, the construct.

2. Markers

The viral vectors can include nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker product. This marker product is used to determine if the gene has been delivered to the cell and once delivered is being expressed. Preferred marker genes are the E. Coli lacZ gene, which encodes ß-galactosidase, and green fluorescent protein.

In some embodiments the marker may be a selectable marker. Examples of suitable selectable markers for mammalian cells are dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), thymidine kinase, neomycin, neomycin analog G418, hydromycin, and puromycin. When such selectable markers are successfully transferred into a mammalian host cell, the transformed mammalian host cell can survive if placed under selective pressure. There are two widely used distinct categories of selective regimes. The first category is based on a cell's metabolism and the use of a mutant cell line which lacks the ability to grow independent of a supplemented media. Two examples are: CHO DHFR-cells and mouse LTK-cells. These cells lack the ability to grow without the addition of such nutrients as thymidine or hypoxanthine. Because these cells lack certain genes necessary for a complete nucleotide synthesis pathway, they cannot survive unless the missing nucleotides are provided in a supplemented media. An alternative to supplementing the media is to introduce an intact DHFR or TK gene into cells lacking the respective genes, thus altering their growth requirements. Individual cells which were not transformed with the DHFR or TK gene will not be capable of survival in non-supplemented media.

The second category is dominant selection which refers to a selection scheme used in any cell type and does not require the use of a mutant cell line. These schemes typically use a drug to arrest growth of a host cell. Those cells which have a novel gene would express a protein conveying drug resistance and would survive the selection. Examples of such dominant selection use the drugs neomycin, (Southern P. and Berg, P., J. Molec. Appl. Genet. 1: 327 (1982)), mycophenolic acid, (Mulligan, R. C. and Berg, P. Science 209: 1422 (1980)) or hygromycin, (Sugden, B. et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 5: 410-413 (1985)). The three examples employ bacterial genes under eukaryotic control to convey resistance to the appropriate drug G418 or neomycin (geneticin), xgpt (mycophenolic acid) or hygromycin, respectively. Others include the neomycin analog G418 and puramycin.

iv. Sequence Similarities

It is understood that as discussed herein the use of the terms homology and identity mean the same thing as similarity. Thus, for example, if the use of the word homology is used between two non-natural sequences it is understood that this is not necessarily indicating an evolutionary relationship between these two sequences, but rather is looking at the similarity or relatedness between their nucleic acid sequences. Many of the methods for determining homology between two evolutionarily related molecules are routinely applied to any two or more nucleic acids or proteins for the purpose of measuring sequence similarity regardless of whether they are evolutionarily related or not.

In general, it is understood that one way to define any known variants and derivatives or those that might arise, of the disclosed genes and proteins herein, is through defining the variants and derivatives in terms of homology to specific known sequences. This identity of particular sequences disclosed herein is also discussed elsewhere herein. In general, variants of genes and proteins herein disclosed typically have at least, about 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 percent homology to the stated sequence or the native sequence. Those of skill in the art readily understand how to determine the homology of two proteins or nucleic acids, such as genes. For example, the homology can be calculated after aligning the two sequences so that the homology is at its highest level.

Another way of calculating homology can be performed by published algorithms. Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison may be conducted by the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman Adv. Appl. Math. 2: 482 (1981), by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch, J. MoL Biol. 48: 443 (1970), by the search for similarity method of Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85: 2444 (1988), by computerized implementations of these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Dr., Madison, Wis.), or by inspection.

It is understood that any of the methods typically can be used and that in certain instances the results of these various methods may differ, but the skilled artisan understands if identity is found with at least one of these methods, the sequences would be said to have the stated identity, and be disclosed herein.

For example, as used herein, a sequence recited as having a particular percent homology to another sequence refers to sequences that have the recited homology as calculated by any one or more of the calculation methods described above. For example, a first sequence has 80 percent homology, as defined herein, to a second sequence if the first sequence is calculated to have 80 percent homology to the second sequence using the Zuker calculation method even if the first sequence does not have 80 percent homology to the second sequence as calculated by any of the other calculation methods. As another example, a first sequence has 80 percent homology, as defined herein, to a second sequence if the first sequence is calculated to have 80 percent homology to the second sequence using both the Zuker calculation method and the Pearson and Lipman calculation method even if the first sequence does not have 80 percent homology to the second sequence as calculated by the Smith and Waterman calculation method, the Needleman and Wunsch calculation method, the Jaeger calculation methods, or any of the other calculation methods. As yet another example, a first sequence has 80 percent homology, as defined herein, to a second sequence if the first sequence is calculated to have 80 percent homology to the second sequence using each of calculation methods (although, in practice, the different calculation methods will often result in different calculated homology percentages).

v. Pharmaceutical Carriers/Delivery of Pharmaceutical Products

In one aspect, it is understood and herein contemplated that the novel Ads of the present invention and nucleic acids can be used as a component in a pharmaceutical composition for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. In one aspect, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising any of the Ads, Ad vectors, and nucleic acids disclosed herein. It is understood and herein contemplated that for reasons well-known in the art, it may be advantageous for any pharmaceutical composition to comprise a replication-defective or replication-attenuated recombinant Ad. In one aspect, the pharmaceutical composition can comprise an Ad, wherein the Ad is a replication-competent or replication-restricted to replicate in tumor cells only recombinant Ads.

Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutic or prophylactic agent, a host cell or an Ad, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In certain embodiments, the composition can be used for preventive and/or treatment of diseases, such as genetic diseases (e.g., hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, Duchenne's myopathy or Becker's myopathy, or the like), localized and disseminated metastatic cancers of solid or hematologic origin, including those induced by oncogenes or viruses, viral diseases, such as hepatitis B or C and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome resulting from HIV infection), recurring viral diseases, such as viral infections caused by the herpesvirus and cardiovascular diseases including restenosis.

Accordingly, the compositions can also be administered in vivo in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. By “pharmaceutically acceptable” is meant a material that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, i.e., the material may be administered to a subject, along with the nucleic acid or vector, without causing any undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the other components of the pharmaceutical composition in which it is contained. The carrier would naturally be selected to minimize any degradation of the active ingredient and to minimize any adverse side effects in the subject, as would be well known to one of skill in the art.

The compositions may be administered orally, parenterally (e.g., intravenously), by intramuscular injection, by intraperitoneal injection, transdermally, extracorporeally, topically or the like, including topical intranasal administration or administration by inhalant. As used herein, “topical intranasal administration” means delivery of the compositions into the nose and nasal passages through one or both of the nares and can comprise delivery by a spraying mechanism or droplet mechanism, or through aerosolization of the nucleic acid or vector. Administration of the compositions by inhalant can be through the nose or mouth via delivery by a spraying or droplet mechanism. Delivery can also be directly to any area of the respiratory system (e.g., lungs) via intubation. The exact amount of the compositions required will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, weight and general condition of the subject, the severity of the allergic disorder being treated, the particular nucleic acid or vector used, its mode of administration and the like. Thus, it is not possible to specify an exact amount for every composition. However, an appropriate amount can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using only routine experimentation given the teachings herein.

Parenteral administration of the composition, if used, is generally characterized by injection. Injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as liquid solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution of suspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions. A more recently revised approach for parenteral administration involves use of a slow release or sustained release system such that a constant dosage is maintained. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,795, which is incorporated by reference herein.

The materials may be in solution, suspension (for example, incorporated into microparticles, liposomes, or cells). These may be targeted to a particular cell type via antibodies, receptors, or receptor ligands. The following references are examples of the use of this technology to target specific proteins to tumor tissue (Senter, et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 2:447-451, (1991); Bagshawe, K. D., Br. J. Cancer, 60:275-281, (1989); Bagshawe, et al., Br. J. Cancer, 58:700-703, (1988); Senter, et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 4:3-9, (1993); Battelli, et al., Cancer Immunol. Immunother., 35:421-425, (1992); Pietersz and McKenzie, Immunolog. Reviews, 129:57-80, (1992); and Roffler, et al., Biochem. Pharmacol, 42:2062-2065, (1991)). Vehicles such as “stealth” and other antibody conjugated liposomes (including lipid mediated drug targeting to colonic carcinoma), receptor mediated targeting of DNA through cell specific ligands, lymphocyte directed tumor targeting, and highly specific therapeutic retroviral targeting of murine glioma cells in vivo. The following references are examples of the use of this technology to target specific proteins to tumor tissue (Hughes et al., Cancer Research, 49:6214-6220, (1989); and Litzinger and Huang, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1104:179-187, (1992)). In general, receptors are involved in pathways of endocytosis, either constitutive or ligand induced. These receptors cluster in clathrin-coated pits, enter the cell via clathrin-coated vesicles, pass through an acidified endosome in which the receptors are sorted, and then either recycle to the cell surface, become stored intracellularly, or are degraded in lysosomes. The internalization pathways serve a variety of functions, such as nutrient uptake, removal of activated proteins, clearance of macromolecules, opportunistic entry of viruses and toxins, dissociation and degradation of ligand, and receptor-level regulation. Many receptors follow more than one intracellular pathway, depending on the cell type, receptor concentration, type of ligand, ligand valency, and ligand concentration. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of receptor-mediated endocytosis has been reviewed (Brown and Greene, DNA and Cell Biology 10:6, 399-409 (1991)).

1. Pharmaceutically Acceptable Carriers

The compositions, including antibodies, can be used therapeutically in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Suitable carriers and their formulations are described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (19th ed.) ed. A. R. Gennaro, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa. 1995. Typically, an appropriate amount of a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt is used in the formulation to render the formulation isotonic. Examples of the pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier include, but are not limited to, saline, Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. The pH of the solution is preferably from about 5 to about 8, and more preferably from about 7 to about 7.5. Further carriers include sustained release preparations such as semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the antibody, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, liposomes or microparticles. It will be apparent to those persons skilled in the art that certain carriers may be more preferable depending upon, for instance, the route of administration and concentration of composition being administered.

Pharmaceutical carriers are known to those skilled in the art. These most typically would be standard carriers for administration of drugs to humans, including solutions such as sterile water, saline, and buffered solutions at physiological pH. The compositions can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Other compounds will be administered according to standard procedures used by those skilled in the art.

Pharmaceutical compositions may include carriers, thickeners, diluents, buffers, preservatives, surface active agents and the like in addition to the molecule of choice. Pharmaceutical compositions may also include one or more active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anesthetics, and the like.

The pharmaceutical composition may be administered in a number of ways depending on whether local or systemic treatment is desired, and on the area to be treated. Administration may be topically (including ophthalmically, vaginally, rectally, intranasally), orally, by inhalation, or parenterally, for example by intravenous drip, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection. The disclosed antibodies can be administered intravenously, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intracavity, or transdermally.

Preparations for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions, emulsions or suspensions, including saline and buffered media. Parenteral vehicles include sodium chloride solution, Ringer's dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's, or fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers, electrolyte replenishers (such as those based on Ringer's dextrose), and the like. Preservatives and other additives may also be present such as, for example, antimicrobials, anti-oxidants, chelating agents, and inert gases and the like.

Formulations for topical administration may include ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable.

Compositions for oral administration include powders or granules, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules, sachets, or tablets. Thickeners, flavorings, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binders may be desirable.

Some of the compositions may potentially be administered as a pharmaceutically acceptable acid- or base-addition salt, formed by reaction with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, perchloric acid, nitric acid, thiocyanic acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid, and organic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, and fumaric acid, or by reaction with an inorganic base such as sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and organic bases such as mono-, di-, trialkyl and aryl amines and substituted ethanolamines.

2. Therapeutic Uses

In one aspect, disclosed herein are methods of treatment according to which a therapeutically effective quantity of an Ad according to the present description or of a host cell is administered to a patient requiring such a treatment. Such methods can comprise treating a host with one or more pharmaceutical entities prior to, or after infection with Ad.

Effective dosages and schedules for administering the compositions may be determined empirically, and making such determinations is within the skill in the art. The dosage ranges for the administration of the compositions are those large enough to produce the desired effect in which the symptoms of the disorder are effected. The dosage should not be so large as to cause adverse side effects, such as unwanted cross-reactions, anaphylactic reactions, and the like. Generally, the dosage will vary with the age, condition, sex and extent of the disease in the patient, route of administration, or whether other drugs are included in the regimen, and can be determined by one of skill in the art. The dosage can be adjusted by the individual physician in the event of any counterindications. Dosage can vary, and can be administered in one or more dose administrations daily, for one or several days. Guidance can be found in the literature for appropriate dosages for given classes of pharmaceutical products. For example, guidance in selecting appropriate doses for antibodies can be found in the literature on therapeutic uses of antibodies, e.g., Handbook of Monoclonal Antibodies, Ferrone et al., eds., Noges Publications, Park Ridge, N.J., (1985) ch. 22 and pp. 303-357; Smith et al., Antibodies in Human Diagnosis and Therapy, Haber et al., eds., Raven Press, New York (1977) pp. 365-389. A typical daily dosage of the antibody used alone might range from about 1 μg/kg to up to 100 mg/kg of body weight or more per day, depending on the factors mentioned above.

C. Methods of Using the Compositions i. Methods of Evading Sequestration of an Ad in the Liver

In one aspect, it is understood and herein contemplated that the Ads of the present invention are designed to evade the problem of sequestration of the Ad in a host's liver. Accordingly, disclosed herein are methods of administering an Ad such that the Ad virions evade sequestration in a host's liver, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing an Ad with a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of β3 integrins of a host normal liver cell in vivo; b) reducing the binding of the Ad with a vitamin K dependent clotting factor (such as, for example Factor VII, Factor IX, Factor X, and Protein C) in the host; and, c) reducing the binding of the Ad to Kupffer cells.

It is understood and herein contemplated that the step of reducing the binding of the Ad with a vitamin K dependent clotting factor in the host can comprise providing an Ad with a mutation in the HVR3, HVR5, or HVR7 region of the hexon protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of a vitamin K dependent clotting factor. In one aspect, reducing the bindning of the Ad with a vitamin K depending clotting factor can comprise the administration of a pharmaceutical entity, such as, for example, warfarin or treating the host with a pharmacological intervention that at least partially inactivates Kupffer cells comprising, for example, administering clodronate liposomes.

Additionally, it is understood that the step of preventing binding of the Ad with a Kupffer cells can comprise providing an Ad with a mutation in the HVR1 region of the hexon protein and/or treating the host with a pharmacological intervention that at least partially inactivates Kupffer cells comprises administering clodronate liposomes.

ii. Method of Treating Cancer

The disclosed Ad compositions can be used to treat any disease where uncontrolled cellular proliferation occurs such as cancers. A non-limiting list of different types of cancers is as follows: lymphomas (Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins), leukemias, carcinomas, carcinomas of solid tissues, squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, sarcomas, gliomas, high grade gliomas, blastomas, neuroblastomas, plasmacytomas, hi stiocytomas, melanomas, adenomas, hypoxic tumors, myelomas, AIDS-related lymphomas or sarcomas, metastatic cancers, or cancers in general.

A representative but non-limiting list of cancers that the disclosed compositions can be used to treat is the following: lymphoma, B cell lymphoma, T cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, Hodgkin's Disease, myeloid leukemia, bladder cancer, brain cancer, nervous system cancer, head and neck cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck, kidney cancer, lung cancers such as small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, neuroblastoma/glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, melanoma, squamous cell carcinomas of the mouth, throat, larynx, and lung, colon cancer, cervical cancer, cervical carcinoma, breast cancer, and epithelial cancer, renal cancer, genitourinary cancer, pulmonary cancer, esophageal carcinoma, head and neck carcinoma, large bowel cancer, hematopoietic cancers; testicular cancer; colon and rectal cancers, prostatic cancer, or pancreatic cancer.

Compounds disclosed herein may also be used for the treatment of precancer conditions such as cervical and anal dysplasias, other dysplasias, severe dysplasias, hyperplasias, atypical hyperplasias, and neoplasias.

D. Examples

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions, articles, devices and/or methods claimed herein are made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in ° C. or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

i. Example 1: Blood-born Ad Virions are Efficiently Sequestered in the Liver Independently of the Virus Fiber Structure or RGD Motif-mediated Penton Binding to Integrins

To assess the potential role of the Ad fiber structure or an RGD motif-mediated penton binding to cellular integrins in mediating the sequestration of the blood-born virus particles in the liver, a set of the previously constructed Ad5-based vectors which possessed mutated fibers or RGD motif deletion within the penton base was utilized. Ad5 and Ad5ΔRGD vectors were able to bind CAR as a primary virus attachment receptor. Ad5/35L, Ad5/35LΔRGD, Ad5*F and Ad5*FΔRGD possessed the fiber knob domains that were unable to bind CAR due to a single point mutation within the Ad5 fiber knob that abrogates its binding to CAR (for Ad5*F and Ad5*FΔRGD), or due to the substitution of an entire Ad5 fiber knob domain for a fiber knob domain derived from Ad35, which binds human CD46 as a primary attachment receptor (for Ad5/35L, Ad5/35LΔRGD). Ad5/35S vector possesses a wild type Ad5 capsid except for the fiber shaft and knob domains that were derived from Ad35. All these vectors were injected intravenously into C57BL6/J mice and 1 h later, livers were harvested and the amount of Ad DNA trapped in the liver for each of the vectors was analyzed using Southern blotting. This analysis revealed that independently of modifications of the fiber or the RGD motif deletion in the penton base, all vectors accumulated at comparable levels in the liver (FIG. 1). This example provides direct evidence that the prior art disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,136 does not teach on or enable the construction of the Ad of the present invention that escapes sequestration in the liver after intravascular administration in vivo.

ii. Example 2: Inactivation of the Blood Factor Pathway of Hepatocyte Transduction does not Prevent Blood-born Ad Virion Sequestration in the Liver or Virus Accumulation in Kupffer Cells

When Ad5 is injected intravenously, virus hexon protein binds coagulation factor X with very high affinity and that this interaction leads to efficient virus entry into hepatocytes and hepatocyte transduction in vivo. To better understand whether inactivation of this in vivo pathway of Ad virion entry into hepatocytes would result in the reduction of the amounts liver-sequestered Ad particles after intravenous virus injection, unmodified Ad virus as administered into control untreated mice and mice treated with warfarin, which inactivates all vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation factors. Analysis of Ad DNA trapped in the liver 1 h after intravenous virus injection showed that warfarin treatment did not result in a significant reduction of Ad virion sequestration in the liver at this time point (FIG. 2A).

After intravenous injection, large amounts of Ad virions are known to be trapped by liver residential macrophages, Kupffer cells. To assess whether the Kupffer cell capacity to trap blood-born Ad particles is changed in mice treated with warfarin, Ad5 was administered intravenously and 1 h later analyzed the co-localization of virus particles with Kupffer cells by immunostaining and fluorescent microscopy. This analysis revealed that in the control and warfarin-treated mice, Kupffer cells were present in the liver (FIG. 2B). Importantly, when liver sections of mice were co-stained with Ad5 hexon-specific antibody and F4/80 antibodies, a clear co-localization of Ad hexon-specific staining was observed with Kupffer cells (FIG. 2B), indicating that warfarin treatment of mice did not ablate the Kupffer cell capacity to trap blood-born Ad.

Different wild type human Ad serotypes show high variability in Kds of FX binding to their capsids. To further evaluate whether variations in amino acid composition of the exposed regions of hexon and Kds of FX binding can affect the efficacy of Ad virion sequestration in the liver, mice were injected intravenously with wild type human Ad serotypes Ad3, Ad14, Ad16, and Ad35. Herein it is shown that Ad16 has 1.67 nM Kd of FX binding, while Ad3 has Kd of FX binding equal 3000 nM and Ad35 did not demonstrate FX binding at all. The evaluation of sequestration of these viruses in the liver after intravenous administration showed no difference in the amounts of Ad3 and Ad16 and higher levels of Ad35 DNA (FIG. 2C), indicating that virus binding to FX cannot be the only important pathway mediating the sequestration of the blood-born Ad virions in the liver.

To analyze whether the treatment of mice with warfarin had any effect on the Ad-mediated hepatic cell transduction, control mice and warfarin-treated mice were administered Ad5RFP vector, possessing unmodified wild type Ad5 capsid, but expressing red fluorescent protein under the control of CMV promoter. Histological evaluation of liver sections for RFP expression showed that Ad5RFP transduced hepatocytes with very high efficiency in control mock-treated mice (FIG. 3A upper panels). Also, the treatment of mice with warfarin completely abrogated Ad5-mediated hepatocyte transduction. Surprisingly, detailed evaluation of liver sections also revealed that in the warfarin-treated group, Ad5RFP also transduced sinusoid endothelial cells (FIG. 3A, lower panels, and 3B). Although the level of RFP expression in these cells was quite low, RFP expression was detected in 10.8% of all analyzed cells. CD31/RFP-double positive cells represented 17% of all CD31-positive endothelial cells. In contrast, RFP expression was not observed in β2-integrin-positive cells of hematopoietic origin, including circulating and residential monocytes and macrophages (FIG. 3B). Collectively, the data indicate that although warfarin-mediated inactivation of the blood factor pathway of hepatocyte infection completely abrogates Ad virions hepatocyte transduction, it does not appreciably affect Ad virions sequestration in the liver after intravenous virus injection. Moreover, wild type human Ad serotypes that vary dramatically in their Kds of FX binding accumulate in the liver at comparable levels after intravenous virus administration. The treatment of mice with warfarin did not prevent Ad accumulation in Kupffer cells; however, it allowed for re-direction of Ad infection from hepatocytes to sinusoid endothelial cells.

iii. Example 3: The Depletion of Kupffer Cells has no Effect on Ad Sequestration in the Liver

Kupffer cells are known to accumulate large amounts of Ad particles shortly after intravenous virus administration. Polyinosinic acid, poly(I), administration into mice prior to Ad injection drastically reduces the capacity of Kupffer cells to trap blood-born Ad in vivo. This data suggest that a poly(I)-specific receptor, scavenger receptor A, can be involved in sequestering Ad virions from the blood after its intravenous injection. To evaluate this possibility, Ad5-based vectors were administered into wild type or scavenger receptor A knockout mice (SR-A-KO) and analyzed both virus DNA deposition in the liver by Southern blotting and virus trapping in Kupffer cells by fluorescent microscopy. These analyses showed that in both control wild type mice and SR-A-KO mice, Kupffer cells retained the capacity to accumulate Ad particles after intravenous virus administration (FIG. 4A). It was also found that the amount of Ad vector DNA that could be recovered from the liver after intravenous virus injection was virtually identical in wild type and SR-A-KO mice (FIG. 4B), indicating that SR-A is not, or at least cannot be, the only receptor responsible for the Kupffer cells capacity to trap blood-born Ad in vivo.

Next, whether the depletion of these phagocytic cells can reduce the liver's capacity to sequester the blood-born Ad was analyzed. To deplete Kupffer cells, macrophage elimination by a single dose clodronate liposome injection was used. Intravenous administration of clodronate liposomes into mice resulted in complete elimination of Kupffer cells from the liver (FIG. 4C). However, the Southern blot analysis of Ad DNA amounts in the livers of clodronate liposome-treated mice or control mice treated only with PBS showed no difference in the amounts of Ad trapped in the liver independently of the presence of Kupffer cells in liver parenchyma (FIG. 4D).

iv. Example 4: Simultaneous Treatment of Mice with Warfarin and Clodronate Liposomes Results in an Only Partial Reduction in Liver Capacity to Sequester Blood-Born Ad

The findings that inactivation of blood factor pathway or depletion of Kupffer cells resulted in no measurable reduction in the amounts of Ad DNA trapped in the liver after intravenous virus administration were rather unexpected, since large amounts of Ad particles accumulate in Kupffer cells and Ad DNA persists long-term in transduced hepatocytes. The data indicates that a dynamic balance can exist between the mechanisms of the Ad sequestration by Kupffer cells and hepatocytes in vivo. This data also indicates that the mechanisms of sequestration of blood-born Ad can work in a redundant and synergistic manner. To evaluate this possibility, the sequestration of Ad DNA in the livers of mice treated with both the warfarin and clodronate liposomes prior to Ad administration was analyzed. This analysis revealed that when harvested at 1 h after intravenous Ad injection, the amount of virus DNA trapped in the liver was 35% lower in mice treated with both warfarin and clodronate liposomes, compared to mice treated with warfarin only (FIGS. 5A, 5B). Although the difference between these two experimental groups was statistically significant, it was not dramatic. Close evaluation of Ad distribution in the livers of mice treated with warfarin and clodronate liposomes showed abundant punctuate Ad-specific staining localized to liver sinusoids (FIG. 5C). Because this type of Ad distribution in the livers of mice treated with either warfarin or clodronate liposomes independently was not observe, the data indicate that yet another mechanism of Ad sequestration became engaged when both Kupffer cells and the blood factor pathway are inactivated. Because Ad particles might accumulate in platelets, liver sections were stained with a platelet-specific anti-CD41 antibody. Using this approach, Ad hexon-specific staining was found to be co-localized with CD41-specific staining in very few areas, while the vast majority of punctuate Ad hexon-specific staining was not overlapping with CD41 staining.

To better define the localization of Ad particles in the liver sinusoids of mice treated with warfarin and clodronate liposomes, transmission electron microscopy was employed. One hour after virus injection, liver tissue was harvested, fixed, and processed for ultra-thin sectioning. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that cytoplasmic organization of hepatocytes was highly distorted in warfarin-treated mice, indicating a major cytotoxic effect of this drug on hepatic cells. Ad particles were easily identifiable on thin sections and were localized to the Disse space, the anatomical area underneath and between sinusoid endothelial cells and the hepatocyte surface (FIG. 6). As expected, Ad particles were present in liver sinusoids as free particles (FIG. 6).

Collectively, this data indicates that under the conditions when sequestration mechanisms mediated by Kupffer cells and blood coagulation factors are not functioning, Ad trapping in the Disse space between liver sinusoids endothelial cells and hepatocytes can become the major mechanism responsible for trapping large amounts of blood-born Ad in the liver.

v. Example 5: RGD Motif-Mediated Ad Interactions Play a Major Role in Sequestering Blood-Born Ad in the Liver when Other Virus Clearance Mechanisms have been Inactivated

The Ad internalization into cells is facilitated by the penton base RGD motif-mediated binding to cellular integrins. Many RGD motif-interacting integrins were shown to serve as functional co-receptors, capable of facilitating Ad internalization into different kinds of cells. Moreover, it was shown that Ad interaction with integrins can mediate both the virus attachment to and internalization into cells. Because RGD motif-interacting β3-integrin is a subunit α_(v)β3 integrin expressed on endothelial cells, sequestration of blood-born Ad in the liver can be reduced in mice that are knockout for β3-integrin gene. To evaluate this further, β3-KO mice were administered with Ad5 with or without treatment with warfarin and clodronate liposomes and analyzed the virus DNA deposition in the liver by Southern blotting. This analysis revealed that although the accumulation of Ad5 in the livers of wild type control and β3-KO mice was comparable, the treatment of β3-KO mice with warfarin and clodronate liposomes resulted in a significantly greater reduction in levels of Ad trapped in the liver after intravenous virus injection, compared to wild type animals (FIGS. 7A-7B). The analysis of Ad trapping in Kupffer cells after intravenous virus administration showed that in both strains of mice, Kupffer cells were capable of trapping blood-born Ad (FIG. 7C), indicating that β integrin is unlikely to contribute significantly to the capacity of Kupffer cells to trap blood-born Ad particles.

To further evaluate if Ad penton RGD motif-mediated interactions are responsible for Ad retention in the Disse space, wild type mice were injected with an Ad5ΔRGD vector, possessing a three amino acid deletion in the penton base. Using Southern blotting, a major reduction in levels of Ad DNA was observed to be recovered from the livers of wild type mice treated with warfarin and clodronate liposomes that were injected with Ad5ΔRGD vector (FIG. 7A). The levels of Ad5ΔRGD DNA associated with the liver were 30%, compared to the levels of Ad5 DNA in mice treated with both warfarin and clodronate liposomes, and were 18% compared to Ad5 DNA levels in the mock-treated control group (FIG. 7B). The analysis of Ad5ΔRGD distribution in the livers of mice treated with warfarin and clodronate liposomes using fluorescent microscopy showed a complete lack of Ad-specific staining (FIG. 7D).

To further verify the role of the Ad penton RGD motif in mediating the trapping of blood-born Ad in the liver, and to assess the engagement order of pathways governing this process, Ad5ΔRGD was administered into mice treated with either warfarin or clodronate liposomes alone. The analysis of Ad DNA deposition in the livers of these mice showed that, similarly to mice injected with control unmodified Ad5, treatment with either warfarin or clodronate liposomes alone did not result in a measurable reduction of vector DNA trapped in the liver after intravenous injection (FIG. 8). However, the combination of pharmacological treatment of mice simultaneously with warfarin and clodronate liposomes and the ablation of RGD motif-mediated interactions resulted in a major reduction in the amount of vector DNA associated with liver tissue, providing the evidence for the redundancy and synergism of molecular mechanisms that operate in the liver and enable quantitative removal of the Ad from the blood and trapping it in the liver tissue after intravenous Ad injection (FIG. 9).

vi. Example 6: Hexon-modified Ads that are Ablated for Binding to Blood-coagulation Factors

Hexon modifications that can ablate Ad5 hexon binding to blood coagulation factors include deletion of TET amino acid sequence in HVR7 (FIG. 11A), or it substitution for an amino acids including, but not limited to, NAA (Ad51-derived HVR7 sequence, which does not bind FX, FIG. 12D), or mutation of the hexon in any other way to functionally inactivate coagulation factor binding. Another example of a modification that can ablate coagulation factor binding is the insertion of positively-charged amino acids (R, K, H) in HVR7 or HVR3, thus mimicking the natural geometrical arrangement of amino acids in Ad3 and Ad5, which do not bind FX efficiently, although they possess canonical FX binding TDT sequence in HVR3 (FIG. 12; FIG. 12D, continued).

Specific minimal mutation of Ad hexon allowing for complete ablation of Ad interaction with coagulation factors, including but not limited to FX and FVII, is a single amino acid substitution of Threonine (425) for Alanine (T425A, FIGS. 13 and 14A, B). This mutation is sufficient to abrogate all FX-dependent interaction of Ad with the host, including efficient hepatocyte transduction and induction of a select subset of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP1α (FIG. 15). However, this mutation alone does not prevent Ad trapping in tissue macrophages, including Kupffer cells (FIG. 22D), splenic marginal zone macrophages (FIGS. 14G, 14H, Ad-TEA variant) or virus sequestration in the liver (FIG. 22C) after intravenous virus administration.

vii. Example 7: Penton-Modified Ads that are Ablated for Binding to Cellular 133 and 135 Integrins

Ad5ΔRGD virus possesses a tri-amino acid deletion within flexible Ad5 penton loop that ablates Ad5 interaction with integrins via RGD motifs (FIG. 17).

Penton modifications that can abrogate Ad5 interactions with integrins can include deletion of an entire integrin-interacting RGD motif-containing loop of Ad5 penton, deletion or substitution of only three amino acids R-G-D (FIGS. 16, 17), or mutation of the penton in any way to prevent functional penton interactions with β3 and β5 integrins.

The Ad interaction with β3 integrin class on macrophages activates a unique signaling pathway of innate immunity that is driven by IL-1α-IL-1RI signaling (FIG. 18). Ad5ΔRGD virus, possessing deletion of RGD amino acid motif and, therefore, ablated for binding to RGD-interacting integrins, failed to functionally activate IL-1α-dependent pro-inflammatory signaling (FIGS. 18, 19), resulting in reduced or negligible levels of inflammatory cytokine and chemokine activation in the liver and spleen after intravascular virus administration, compared to unmodified Ad-WT virus (FIG. 18E). This pro-inflammatory response of macrophages to Ad is driven by specific interaction of the virus penton RGD motifs with β3 class integrins, since administration of the wild type unmodified Ad into β3 integrin-deficient mice triggered low to no inflammatory cytokine activation (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, FIG. 18). This finding represents the basis for the construction of Ad variants with modified pentons that exhibit significantly lower levels of inflammation and therefore improved toxicity profiles, compared to Ad variants with RGD motif-containing pentons.

Another example of a modification that can ablate the penton interaction with integrins via RGD motifs is a substitution of an RGD-motif-containing flexible loop of Ad5 with an amino acid sequence(s) that contains no RGD motifs and that is able to selectively target Ad to a specific subset of integrins or other receptors, which are not expressed efficiently on liver cells, but can be expressed on tumor cells in vivo. These types of receptors include, but not limited to, α3β1, α6β4, or α6β1 integrins, which are highly expressed on tumor cells, but not on liver cells in vivo.

To target Ad to non-natural classes of integrins via a non-RGD motif containing peptides, inserted into Ad5 penton instead of RGD loop, Ad-Lam1 and Ad-Lam3 vectors were constructed (FIG. 20). Ad5-Lam1 vector contains 50 amino acids surrounding SIKVAV amino acid motif from human Laminin-1 (SEQ ID No.: 3). Ad5-Lam3 vector contains 54 amino acids surrounding SKVAV amino acid sequence from human Laminin-3 (SEQ ID No.: 4). Both of these laminin-derived sequences contain no R-G-D amino acid motifs, yet are able to bind to α6β1 integrins via SIKVAV or SKVAV motifs on 293 cells to enable virus entry and propagation.

Other examples of iso-functional Ad5 RGD loop substitution with non-RGD motif-containing peptides to enable the virus targeting to non-β3 integrins are shown in FIG. 25. (SEQ ID Nos.: 9, 10)

viii. Example 8: Ad Vectors Possessing Mutations in Hexon and Penton, allowing the Virus Particles to Escape Trapping in the Liver at a Physical Particle Level after Intravascular Administration

Ad5 virus particles (FIG. 21, Ad-2M) with hexon mutation T425A, described in Example 6 and penton mutations described in Example 7, were intravenously injected into mice and virus trapping in the liver was analyzed 1 hour after virus administration. No significant difference in the amount of Ad-2M virus trapped in the liver was found, when compared to control unmodified Ad-WT virus, or viruses containing individual mutations either in hexon (H425A, Ad-TEA) or penton (Ad-Lam3, Ad-Lam, FIG. 21C). Kupffer cells in the liver trapped Ad-2M virus particles as efficiently as Ad-WT particles (FIG. 21D). This data is consistent with finding from mice pharmacologically conditioned with warfarin (to inactivate blood coagulation factors) and injected with Ad5ΔRGD and demonstrated no reduction in the levels of virus particles sequestered in the liver, compared to unmodified virus or saline-conditioned mice (FIG. 8A).

Ad2-M virus was used as a platform, and additional novel deletion was introduced into hexon HVR1 loop (SEQ ID No.: 5), which was empirically found to allow for the virus to escape being trapped in Kupffer cells after intravascular virus administration (FIG. 22). The resultant virus, Ad-3M, represents one of the preferred embodiments of the invention which is based on human Ad serotype 5 and contains simultaneously three mutations, namely two mutations in hexon and one in penton (FIG. 23A). When injected intravenously, Ad-3M virus demonstrated significantly reduced accumulation in the liver at a physical particle level, including Kupffer cells (FIG. 23B, C, E), compared all other vectors, including Ad-WT, a wild type virus comprising no modifications in capsid proteins.

The specific mutation in Ad5 hexon HVR1 loop described in FIG. 22 (SEQ ID No.: 5) and its embodiment in Ad-3M virus are provided as an example only without limitations for alternate modifications. The other examples of mutation in HVR1 can include, but not limited to, substitutions of the HVR1 loop between amino acids D136 and K165 with GGSG glycine linker, so that the entire sequence of the new HVR1 extended deletion in the resultant vector reads: 136-DEAAT-GGSG-QQK-165 (SEQ ID No.: 6). Another modifications of Ad5 HVR1 loop can also include the transplantation of HVR1 loop from any other human or animal Ad serotype, such as Ad41 (natural short) and Ad51 (natural intermediate) in place of HVR1 of Ad5 (FIG. 22) to generate vectors with chimeric HVR1 sequences from Ad41 135-W-KDNN-K-165 (SEQ ID No.: 7); and from Ad51 135-W-EQKKTTGGGNDME-TH-167 (SEQ ID No.: 8).

Intravenous administration of Ad-3M virus also triggered little to none inflammatory cytokine activation in the spleen and, in contrast to mice injected with Ad-WT virus, no Kupffer cell death was observed in mice injected with Ad-3M vector 1 hour after virus injection (FIG. 23E). This data shows an equifunctional role of three distinct hepatocellular compartments in enabling Ad trapping in the liver after intravascular administration and implicates specific molecular mechanisms in mediating virus-hepatic cell interaction (FIG. 24). This model necessitates the introduction of three specific mutations into Ad5-based vectors to allow for virus escape from being sequestered by the liver after intravascular administration, as exemplified for the preferred embodiment of this invention, Ad-3M vector (FIG. 23).

Upon targeting to extrahepatic (tumor cells and metastases in other organs) or non-hepatic cells in the liver (tumor metastases in the liver) via fiber modifications or by other means (FIG. 26), the virus dose that is therapeutic for the described penton and hexon-mutated vectors, can be much lower and resulting in viral safety being much higher, due to the low acute systemic toxicity of such a virus, compared to unmodified virus variants.

ix. Example 9: Discussion

Ad is a non-enveloped virus with a double-stranded linear DNA genome (Shenk, 2001). The susceptibility of cells to virus infection in vitro was ascribed, at least in part, to efficient Ad fiber binding to a specific attachment receptor on the cell surface (Nemerow, 2000). For human species A, C, D, E, and F Ad serotypes, CAR was shown to bind the fiber knob domain and mediate efficient virus entry into cells in vitro (Roelvink et al., 1998). For the majority of human species B serotypes, CD46 was identified as a high affinity virus attachment receptor (Gaggar et al., 2003). The fiber binding to the virus attachment receptor is followed shortly by the RGD motif dependent interaction of a penton base protein to cellular integrins (Wickham et al., 1993). This interaction promotes Ad particle internalization into the cell as well as initiates the virus capsid disassembly program. Different Ad serotypes infect a variety of cells in vitro and in vivo with high efficiency. Based on this property of Ad, numerous Ad-based vectors have been developed for gene transfer and vaccination studies (Thomas et al., 2003). However, when Ad vectors were delivered at high doses or via routes not associated with natural Ad infection, the infectivity and tissue bio-distribution did not correlate with the levels of the fiber attachment receptors (Alemany and Curiel, 2001). Specifically, after intravenous injection of human Ad5-based vectors, 99% of the delivered vector dose is rapidly sequestered in the liver (Khare et al., 2011a). Moreover, ablation of both CAR and integrin interactions through mutation of Ad fiber and penton proteins did not prevent virus accumulation in the liver and efficient hepatocyte transduction (Shayakhmetov et al., 2004). The efficient interaction between Ad and liver cells causes clinically significant hepatotoxicity and represents a major hindrance if gene delivery to extra-hepatic cells and tissues, such as disseminated metastatic tumors, is required.

The liver residential macrophages, Kupffer cells, are amongst the most studied factors contributing to rapid sequestration of blood-born Ad in the liver (Di Paolo et al., 2013; Di Paolo et al., 2009b; Khare et al., 2011b; Lieber et al., 1997; Manickan et al., 2006; Wolff et al., 1997; Worgall et al., 1997). After intravenous virus injection, Kupffer cells trap large amounts of virus particles. This accumulation of Ad particles in Kupffer cells causes a non-linear dose response for Ad vector-mediated transgene delivery into hepatocytes. Ad interactions with Kupffer cells induce activation of inflammatory responses. Recent data suggests that high dose intravenous Ad administration can induce rapid Kupffer cell death that might also contribute to activation of pro-inflammatory host responses (Di Paolo et al., 2013). On the other hand, it was also shown that inactivation of Kupffer cells prior to intravenous Ad administration significantly increases the levels of circulating virus and transduction of hepatic and extra-hepatic cells (Khare et al., 2013; Khare et al., 2011b; Wolff et al., 1997). Although Kupffer cells can accumulate large amounts of blood-born Ad, virus entry into Kupffer cells does not lead to their transduction in vivo, indicating that Kupffer cells represent a poor niche for Ad propagation. Instead, Kupffer cell rapidly die via a necrotic type of cell death (Di Paolo et al., 2013; Manickan et al., 2006). Collectively, these data strongly indicated that Ad rapping by Kupffer cells is the first in line of the potential mechanisms mediating sequestration of blood-born Ad in the liver.

The data obtained in this study indicates however, that the Ad trapping by Kupffer cells is not the only mechanism responsible for the sequestration of blood-born Ad in the liver. Surprisingly, complete elimination of Kupffer cells from the liver parenchyma after clodronate liposome administration led to no reduction in Ad DNA sequestered in the liver after intravenous virus injection (FIG. 4). This data indicates that functional inactivation of Kupffer cells with gadolinium chloride also failed to reduce the amount of Ad DNA trapped in the liver shortly after intravenous virus injection. Because elimination of Kupffer cells leads to marked increase in the level of Ad-mediated hepatocyte transduction, the data indicates that the vector particles that escaped sequestration by Kupffer cells are now efficiently entered hepatocytes, resulting in greatly increased levels of transgene expression.

The earlier data suggested that the entry of Ad5 into hepatocytes is mediated by blood factors and does not depend on virus interactions with CAR or integrins (Kalyuzhniy et al., 2008; Waddington et al., 2008). Recent studies clearly demonstrated that high affinity Ad5 hexon binding to coagulation factor X is sufficient to mediate hepatocyte transduction with Ad5 vectors in vivo. Parker at al., have shown that the treatment of mice with the drug warfarin, inactivating all vitamin-K blood coagulation factors, ablates hepatocyte transduction with intravenously injected Ad5 vectors (Parker et al., 2006). Although warfarin treatment of mice completely abrogated hepatocytes transduction with Ad5 vectors in this study (FIG. 3), it was found that the amount of Ad DNA sequestered in the liver was similar in warfarin-treated and control mice (FIG. 2). The earlier studies showed that when liver tissue is perfused with Ad5 in situ in blood-free conditions, Kupffer cells can accumulate Ad particles in a blood factor (FIX)-dependent manner (Shayakhmetov et al., 2005).

Here, it was found that in warfarin-treated mice, Kupffer cells retain the capacity to trap blood-born Ad, indicating that the blood factor-mediated pathway of Ad entry in Kupffer cells is not the only one to control Ad-Kupffer cell interactions. This observation indicates that Kupffer cells can bind Ad via SR-A, since pre-injection of mice with SR-A-specific ligand poly(I) drastically reduced Ad accumulation in Kupffer cells after intravenous virus injection (Haisma et al., 2008). The quantitative analysis of Ad accumulation in the liver and qualitative evaluation of Ad trapping in Kupffer cells using SR-A-KO mice showed that both the amounts of Ad DNA and the capacity of Kupffer cells to accumulate Ad particles were similar in SR-A-KO and control mice (FIG. 4). The data presented herein strongly indicates that the SR-A-dependent mechanism is unlikely to play a dominant role in mediating Ad interaction with Kupffer cells. The effect of poly(I) on Ad trapping in Kupffer cells can be explained by alternate indirect mechanisms, where the signaling downstream of SR-A, upon its binding to poly(I), can block or interfere with Kupffer cell phagocytic function or endosome formation.

The lack of a significant reduction in the amounts of Ad DNA sequestered in the livers of Kupffer cell-depleted or warfarin-treated mice, when compared to control animals, indicates that a previously unknown redundancy and synergism between different mechanisms controlling sequestration of blood-born Ad in the liver exists. To evaluate this further, mice were treated with both warfarin and clodronate liposomes and analyzed Ad sequestration in the liver after intravenous virus injection. The studies unexpectedly revealed only a modest reduction in the amounts of Ad DNA sequestered in the livers of mice treated with the combination of drugs. While 35% less Ad DNA was trapped in livers of mice treated with both warfarin and clodronate liposomes, 65% of Ad DNA still remained trapped in livers of mice that lacked Kupffer cells and possessed no coagulation factors in blood (FIG. 5). This data that Ad sequestration mechanisms likely operate in a redundant and synergistic manner and an unknown sequential order of engagement of these mechanisms to ensure efficient clearance of blood-born Ad from circulation. The detailed analyses of Ad particle distribution in the liver parenchyma using fluorescent microscopy and electron microscopy revealed abundant dispersed Ad particles localized to liver sinusoids (FIG. 7). Because this type of virus distribution was not observed in livers of mice treated with each drug independently, or in mock-treated animals, this data indicates that new interactions of Ad with liver cells become activated only under the condition when other sequestration mechanisms have been inactivated.

In this study, it was demonstrated that Ad penton RGD motifs contribute to virus trapping in the space of Disse that separates liver sinusoid endothelial cells from hepatocytes. The analysis of Ad deposition in the livers of β3-integrin-knockout mice indicates that 33-integrin, contributes to this interaction. Because α_(v)β₃ integrin is expressed on endothelial cells, when Ad particles cannot enter hepatocytes, they can bind RGD-interacting integrins with β3-integrin subunit on sinusoid endothelial and thus become retained in the Disse space, leading to eventual internalization into endothelial cells or hepatocytes, and virus clearance from circulation. The data, demonstrating low level sinusoid endothelial cell transduction with Ad in mice treated with warfarin, supports this idea (FIG. 3).

The data uncovered a previously unknown redundancy and synergism in mechanisms mediating the sequestration of blood-born Ad in the liver. A model was proposed for sequestration of blood-born Ad in the liver (FIG. 9). This conceptual model indicates that a defined set of specific molecular mechanisms become engaged in a redundant, synergistic, and orderly manner to ensure the clearance of blood-born Ad from circulation. When small amounts of Ad particles appear in blood, the virus trapping by Kupffer cells works as a fist dominant mechanism, mediating Ad sequestration in the liver. When the Ad dose exceeds the capacity of Kupffer cells to trap the virus, hepatocytes absorb blood-born Ad particles in a blood factor-dependent manner, serving as a second dominant mechanism mediating sequestration of blood-born Ad. However, when the Ad dose is high and both the Kupffer cells and blood-factor pathways are inactivated, sinusoid endothelial cells and the anatomical architecture of liver sinusoids become the third line of defense that sequesters Ad particles in an RGD motif-dependent manner.

To test this model and reduce to practice Ad variant capable of escaping of being sequestered in the liver after intravascular delivery, a set of mutated Ad5-based vectors was developed, where specific mutations ablating interactions with hepatic cells were introduced for some or all of the pathways mediating Ad trapping in the liver (FIG. 24). It is important to note that in the exemplary context of Ad5-based vectors, possessing individual mutations ablating only one or two of the mechanisms that mediate virus trapping in the liver, the sequestration of Ad particles in the liver after intravascular virus administration cannot be prevented. Indeed, Ad vectors ablated either for binding to blood coagulation factors due to T425A hexon mutation (Ad-TEA), or ablated for interaction with RGD-specific cellular integrins due to substitution of RGD penton loop for human laminin-derived peptide (Ad-Lam), or their combination in the single Ad-2M virus, containing both of these mutations simultaneously, all of these vectors were still trapped in the liver tissue one hour after intravenous virus injection as efficiently as non-modified wild type Ad5 virus, Ad-WT (FIG. 21C, SEQ ID No.: 1). However, the best way to carry the invention is the incorporation of the third and novel mutation in hexon HVR1 in addition to T425A hexon and Lam penton mutations into one and the same vector, Ad-3M, which revealed remarkable property of the resultant triple-mutant virus, which was able to escape liver sequestration following its intravascular injection (FIG. 23B).

In addition to its reduced sequestration in the liver tissue, intravenous injection of the triple-mutated Ad-3M vector exhibited remarkably lower inflammatory cytokine and chemokine activation in the spleen, compared to unmodified Ad-WT virus. Unlike unmodified Ad-WT vector, Ad-3M virus also failed to trigger rapid necrotic death of liver macrophages, Kupffer cells, providing direct evidence for greatly improved safety profile, compared to Ad5-WT (FIGS. 23D and 23E). These properties of the virus arise from mutations introduced into Ad5 penton which abrogate its interaction with cellular integrins (FIG. 18) and in hexon, which ablates virus interaction with coagulation factor FX (FIG. 15).

This study is the first demonstration of the Ad vector design for ablating the sequestration of blood-born Ad in the liver based on specific genetic inactivation of a defined set of mechanisms that control this process. The embodiments and specific examples of mutations simultaneously introduced into a single vector provide the rationale for the use of the vectors with liver-escaping properties as the platform for the development of tumor-targeted oncolytic viruses that are effective for the treatment of disseminated metastatic tumors via intravascular route of vector delivery.

x. Example 10: Cells and Viruses

293 (Human Embryonic Kidney, Microbix, Toronto Canada) cells for Ad propagation were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, 2 mM L-Glutamine and 1× Penicillin/Streptomycin solution (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Wild type human Ad serotypes Ad3 (GB strain, VR3); Ad14 (de Wit, VR1S), Ad16 (Ch. 79, VR17), and Ad35 (Holden strain, VR-718) were purchased from the American Type Culture Collection. The human Ad5, possessing intact wild type Ad5 capsid, was constructed previously and is described in detail as Ad5GFP in. The Ad5-based vector Ad5/355, with Ad35-derived fiber shaft and knob domains, was previously constructed and described as Ad5GFP/F35 in. The Ad5/35L, possessing Ad35-derived fiber knob domain, was previously constructed and described in. Ad5ΔRGD and Ad5/35ΔRGD are identical to Ad5 and Ad5/35L, but possess an RGD motif deletion in the penton base protein. These vectors were previously constructed and described in. Ad5*F and Ad5*FΔRGD were kindly provided by Dr. Ramon Alemany (Barcelona, Spain). Both of these Ad5-based vectors possess a single point Y477A amino acid mutation within the fiber knob domain that abrogates virus binding to CAR. Ad5*FΔRGD also possesses an RGD motif deletion within its penton base protein. Ad5 vector, expressing red fluorescent protein, was kindly provided by Dr. Michael Barry (Rochester, Minn.). All viruses were amplified in 293 cells under conditions preventing cross contamination. Viruses were banded in CsC1 gradients; viral bands were collected, dialyzed and aliquoted as described elsewhere. Ad particle concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the optical density at 260 nm (OD260), using the extinction coefficient for wild type Ad5, A260=9.09×10¹¹ OD ml cm virion⁻¹.

xi. Example 11: Ad Infection In Vivo

All experimental procedures involving animals were conducted in accordance with the institutional guidelines set forth by the University of Washington. C57B1/6 mice were purchased from Charles River, Wilmington, Mass. B3-integrin knockout mice, β33-KO (stock #4669) and scavenger receptor A knock out mice (Msrl, stock #6096) were purchased from Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me. All mice were housed in specific-pathogen-free facilities. All wild type viruses or Ad vectors were injected into the tail vein of mice at a dose of 10¹¹ Ad particles (corresponds to 5×10⁹PFU of Ad5 vector determined on 293 cells) in 200 μl of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). For in vivo transduction studies, mice were sacrificed 1 or 48 hours post virus infusion and livers were processed for histological analyses. For analysis of Ad genome accumulation in the liver tissue 1 h and 24 h after Ad vector administration into the tail vein, blood was flushed from the liver by cardiac saline perfusion, livers were harvested, and total DNA was purified. To inactivate vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation factors, mice were injected with warfarin twice, 72 h and 24 h before Ad administration. Warfarin was resuspended in peanut oil and 150 μg of warfarin per mouse per injection were used as described elsewhere. To eliminate Kupffer cells from the liver, mice were injected with 200 μl of clodronate liposomes (Clodronateliposomes.org) 48 h before virus administration. Cl₂MDP (or clodronate) was a gift of Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany. To analyze Ad liver cell transduction by flow cytometry, liver cells were purified with collagenase perfusion and plated on Primaria 6-well plates 24 hours after intravenous virus injection. Next day, cells were detached from the plate using 2 mM EDTA solution and stained with anti-CD31 (endothelial cells), anti-β3-integrin (cells of hematopoietic origin, including Kupffer cells and circulating monocytes), or isotype control antibodies. Positive staining of cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.

xii. Example 12: Analysis of Ad-Kupffer Cell Interaction In Vivo

To analyze Ad interactions with Kupffer cells, 10¹⁰ virus particles were injected into the tail vein, and 60 min later, livers were flushed with saline via cardiac perfusion, harvested and immediately frozen in an OCT compound. Frozen liver sections were fixed and stained with rat anti-mouse F4/80 primary antibody (BD Biosciences, San Diego, Calif.) to detect Kupffer cells. Specific binding of primary antibodies was visualized with secondary anti-rat-Alexa Flour 488 antibody (green) (Molecular Probes Inc., Eugene, Oreg.). To detect Ad particles, liver sections were stained with anti-hexon polyclonal antibody (Abcam, Cambridge, Mass.). The staining with biotinilated anti-hexon primary antibody was developed with secondary Cy3-labeled streptavidin which appears in red. To detect platelets and endothelial cells on liver sections, antibodies to CD41 (platelets, clone MWReg30) or CD31-FITC (endothelial cells, clone MEC13.3 (both from BD Biosciences) were used. Cell nuclei were counterstained with 1 μg/ml 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.).

xiii. Example 13: Southern Blot Analyses

For analysis of Ad genomic DNA deposition and persistence in mouse livers, isolation of total liver DNA and Southern analysis were performed as described elsewhere. Briefly, at the indicated time points, livers were harvested and total liver DNA was isolated using DNA salting-out protocol, followed by phenol/chloroform and chloroform isoamyl alcohol purifications. Next, 10 μg of purified total liver DNA was digested with HindIll endonuclease overnight and loaded onto 1% agarose gel. After completion of electrophoretic separation of the DNA fragments, they were transfected onto a Hybond-XL membrane (GE Healthcare) and the membrane was hybridized with a 32P-labeled mouse β-glucuronidase (Gus) gene specific probe to ensure equivalent DNA loads. The image of Gus-specific hybridization was obtained by exposing the membrane to both a phosphorimager screen and an X-ray film. Next, the membrane was stripped off the Gus-specific probe and re-hybridized with an Ad-specific 32P-labeled probe (8 kb HindIII—A-fragment, corresponding to the E2 region of the Ad genome). The image of the hybridization reaction was obtained by exposing the membrane to a phosphorimager screen and an X-ray film. The intensity of Gus- and Ad-specific signals in phosphorimager-collected images were analyzed using manufacturer's software.

xiv. Example 14: Proteome Profiler Antibody Arrays

A “Proteome Profiler antibody array: Mouse Cytokine Array Panel A” (#ARY006, R&D System) was used, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each spleen was homogenized in 2 ml of sample solution, and 1 ml (½ spleen) was used to incubate with each membrane on a rocking platform overnight. Membranes were developed with ImmunoStar HRP-sustrate (BioRad, #1705041).

xv. Example 15: RNAse Protection Assay

Total RNA was extracted from tissues using the “RNAqueous-Midi kit” (Ambion Inc., Austin, Tex.). Ten μg of RNA were hybridized with a mix of 32P-labeled RNA probes. The 32P-labeled RNA probe mix was prepared by in vitro transcription using the “In vitro transcription kit”, CK-3, and custom template sets were provided by BD Biosciences/Pharmingen (San Diego, Calif.). The hybridized RNAs were treated with RNAse, using the “RNAse protection Assay kit” (BD Biosciences), precipitated and the protected fragments were resolved on vertical sequencing (10% acrylamide) gels. Following electrophoresis, the gels were dried and exposed to X-ray film (Kodak-X-Omat) and PhosphorImager screen (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale, Calif.). The signals on the screen were analyzed by PhosphorImager Image-Quant software. The RNAse protection assay was performed using RNA samples of at least 3 to 5 individual mice per each virus. At least two independently prepared virus stocks were used for RNA levels analysis.

xvi. Example 16: Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescence Stainings

Mice were anaesthetized, and spleens and livers were collected, frozen in O.C.T. compound and stored at −80° C. until processed. Six to eight micron sections were cut, air dried, fixed for 10 minutes in acetone at −20° C., air dried for at least 4 hours, re-hydrated in TBS for one hour, blocked in 2% N.S. for 1 hour and incubated with primary antibodies overnight at 4° C. with or without 0.1% saponin depending on the antigen. Then, sections were incubated with HRP-labeled secondary antibodies for 1 hour. Slides were developed with ImmPact DAB or NovaRed substrates (Vector Laboratories), air dried, mounted, and analyzed on a Leica microscope. For immunofluorescence stainings, slides were immediately mounted after washing the secondary antibodies. Confocal imaging was done on a Zeiss 510 Meta Confocal microscope.

xvii. Example 17: Statistical Analysis

All statistical analyses were done using an unpaired two sided Student's t-test on Instat software. The data are expressed as means ÷/− s.d. The number of animals used in the experiments for each individual condition varied from 3 to 5.

E. References Cited U.S. Patent Documents

-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,136 Wickham et al., January 1998 435/456

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What is claimed is:
 1. An isolated adenovirus with a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of β3 integrins of a host cell, and two mutations in the hexon hypervariable loops, wherein said mutations in the hexon hypervariable loops comprise a mutation in the HVR1 loop and a mutation in the HVR7 loop, wherein the mutation in the HVR1 loop of the hexon protein causes reduced virus trapping in Kupffer cells, and wherein the combination of the mutation in the RGD motif, the mutation in the HVR1 loop and the mutation in the HVR7 loop causes reduced liver sequestration of the adenovirus.
 2. The adenovirus of claim 1, wherein the RDG motif of the penton loop is substituted with a non-RGD motif-containing peptide capable of binding non-β3 cellular integrins.
 3. The adenovirus of claim 1, wherein the adenovirus is a species B, C, or D adenovirus.
 4. The adenovirus of claim 1, wherein the adenovirus is serotype 5 or
 2. 5. The adenovirus of claim 1, wherein the adenovirus further comprises a mutation in the HVR3 or HVR5 region of the hexon protein.
 6. The adenovirus of claim 5, wherein the mutation in the HVR3 or HVR5 region of the hexon protein is a substitution.
 7. The adenovirus of claim 1, wherein the single virus genomic DNA molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes SEQ ID NO:
 2. 8. The adenovirus of claim 1, wherein the mutation in the HVR1 region of the hexon protein is a substitution.
 9. The adenovirus of claim 1, wherein the adenovirus comprises a gene of interest selected from a cytokine, a cellular receptor, a nuclear receptor, a ligand, a coagulation factor, a CFTR protein, insulin, dystrophin, a growth hormone, immune-stimulatory or immune-suppressing protein of eukaryotic or prokaryotic origin, of an enzyme, an enzyme inhibitor, a polypeptide with antitumor effect, a polypeptide capable of inhibiting a bacterial, parasitic or viral infection, an antibody, a toxin, an immunotoxin, shRNA, LncRNA, ribozyme, or a marker.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: the adenovirus according to claim 1; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, wherein the adenovirus is a replication-defective or replication-attenuated recombinant adenovirus.
 12. An isolated adenovirus with a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of β3 integrins of a host cell, and two mutations in the hexon hypervariable loops, wherein said mutations in the hexon hypervariable loops comprise a mutation in the HVR1 loop and a mutation in the HVR7 loop, wherein said adenovirus comprises a single virus genomic DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:4.
 13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, wherein the adenovirus is a replication-competent adenovirus.
 14. An isolated adenovirus comprising: (1) a mutation in the RGD motif of the penton protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of β3 integrins of a host cell; (2) a mutation in the HVR1 region of the hexon protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced trapping of the adenovirus in Kupffer cells; and (3) a mutation in the HVR7 region of the hexon protein, wherein the mutation causes reduced binding of the adenovirus to a vitamin K dependent clotting factor, wherein the combination of the mutation in the RGD motif, the mutation in the HVR1 region and the mutation in the HVR7 region causes reduced liver sequestration of the adenovirus.
 15. The isolated adenovirus of claim 14, wherein the mutation in the HVR1 region of the hexon protein is a deletion or a substitution.
 16. The adenovirus of claim 12, wherein the RDG motif of the penton loop is substituted with a non-RGD motif-containing peptide capable of binding non-β3 cellular integrins.
 17. The adenovirus of claim 12, wherein the adenovirus is a species B, C, or D adenovirus.
 18. The adenovirus of claim 12, wherein the adenovirus is serotype 5 or
 2. 19. The adenovirus of claim 12, wherein the adenovirus further comprises a mutation in the HVR3 or HVR5 region of the hexon protein.
 20. The adenovirus of claim 12, wherein the adenovirus is a replication-competent adenovirus.
 21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: the adenovirus according to claim 12; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 